Chu Van Duc, 34, and his wife Nguyen Phuong Thuy have spent months travelling between Lam Dong and Ho Chi Minh City for treatment for their son, Chu Nguyen Anh Dat, born in 2023.
The child was diagnosed with cancer in both eyes after his parents noticed unusual white spots and worsening symptoms when he was nearly two years old. Doctors later confirmed that one eye had to be removed, while the remaining eye retained only limited light perception.
During further examinations, doctors also discovered a congenital brain tumour that continues to require monitoring and treatment.
“Back then, I could not think about anything except saving my child, no matter how much debt we had to take on,” Duc said.
Since July 2025, the family has travelled monthly to Ho Chi Minh City for treatment at the city’s Oncology Hospital and Eye Hospital. Each treatment cycle lasts nearly a week and costs more than VND 20 million, much of it not covered by health insurance.
After more than seven months of treatment, the family’s medical expenses have exceeded VND 300 million. Duc, previously a casual labourer, said he had stopped working to care for his son and now relies on loans and small donations from relatives and neighbours.
“There are nights when I watch my son sleeping and fear I may lose him, but as long as there is hope, we will keep trying to save him,” he added.
Doctors said the child’s remaining eye had shown some improvement under treatment and still retained light perception, though the road ahead remains uncertain, particularly regarding the brain tumour.
The family currently stays in charitable accommodation during treatment trips to Ho Chi Minh City, while struggling to cover food, transport and daily living expenses.
Local authorities in Nam Dong Commune confirmed the family’s difficult circumstances and appealed for public support to help continue the child’s treatment.
If you can help, send through:
Code 5950: Chu Van Duc, Nam Dong Commune, Lam Dong Province
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