In early October, a Dantri reporter met Pham Ngoc Anh Thu, 28, from Vinh Loc Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, to hand over donations from readers to help pay for her son's treatment.
Thu's family received VND 91.2 million from Dantri readers (Photo: Ha Tram).
Huynh Nam Khanh, Thu's youngest son, has been battling blood cancer for nearly two years. The sudden illness left the family struggling to cope financially.
Although a charity fund had covered hospital costs for several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the family's additional medical and living expenses forced Thu to borrow tens of millions of dong at high interest. At times, the family could not afford to take Khanh to hospital for treatment, while Thu often ate vegetarian instant noodles to save money.
After Dantri published a story about the family's circumstances, readers and donors donated VND 91.23 million (USD 3,510) in support.
The mother said the donation had helped her repay previous debts and stop paying interest.
“The money donated by Dantri readers has helped me repay my previous debt, so I no longer have to pay interest. I will use the rest to continue my son's treatment,” Thu said.
Thu is now preparing to have Khanh readmitted to hospital for treatment according to his blood cancer protocol. The boy's father remains in their hometown, working as a construction labourer and saving every possible đồng to send to the city so his wife can care for their children.
Khanh still faces a difficult road ahead. But with support from Dantri readers and donors, the family now has a stronger financial and emotional foundation to continue his treatment.
“All I can do is thank everyone who has supported my son and me. Before and now, all I want is for my son to live. I can endure any hardship myself. I promise I will not give up,” Thu said, visibly moved.
