Reporters from Dantri presented a symbolic cheque worth VND 247,904,224 (USD 9,720) to Ngo Thi Hong Kieu, 37, the mother of Ngo Huynh Thien Phuc on February 11. The full amount had been transferred to her personal bank account to support her son’s treatment.
A Dantri reporter presents a symbolic cheque for VND 247,904,224, donated by readers, to Kieu on February 11 (Photo: T.Tien).
Phuc, from Xuan Bac Commune in Dong Nai Province, was first diagnosed in 2023, shortly after his second birthday, with a cerebellar tumour. Following surgery to remove the mass, doctors discovered he was also suffering from medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumour requiring prolonged chemotherapy.
Kieu, a single mother working as a factory labourer, earned barely enough to cover daily living costs for herself and her son. When Phuc fell ill, she had no savings to rely on. She borrowed money from relatives and colleagues to fund the initial surgery, but when doctors informed her that her son would need a year of chemotherapy, she said she felt overwhelmed.
After two cycles of chemotherapy, Phuc’s condition improved significantly and he began taking his first tentative steps. Following six cycles, he moved into a maintenance phase, allowing Kieu to return with her son to their rented accommodation in Dong Nai, where she sought work to cover living expenses and repay debts.
However, in August 2024, Phuc began vomiting and experiencing fatigue, symptoms similar to those at the onset of his illness. A hospital examination confirmed the tumour had returned and metastasised.
He subsequently underwent a more intensive and prolonged chemotherapy regimen, alongside further surgery to remove the recurrent tumour. To keep up with mounting medical costs, Kieu again resorted to loans, including high-interest borrowing.
By the end of 2025, after completing the new treatment protocol, Phuc’s condition stabilised and he progressed to radiotherapy aimed at preventing further spread. Because of his young age and inability to remain still during procedures, doctors recommended radiotherapy under anaesthesia at Hue Central Hospital.
The final stage of treatment, however, posed an overwhelming financial burden.
Following publication of his story, thousands of readers and benefactors contributed to support the family. The recent chemotherapy sessions have proceeded smoothly, according to Kieu, who said she was able to afford additional medication, medical supplies and nutritional support thanks to the donations. Phuc experienced only mild side effects, including headaches and night-time discomfort.
He is due to complete his current medication course on February 16 and will return home for a week before undergoing an MRI scan to assess his overall condition.
“I hope this time the results will be positive, that his illness continues to improve and he can return to maintenance treatment,” Kieu said. “Then I can focus on working to repay our debts.”
The outpouring of public support has offered the family renewed hope as they continue their long and uncertain fight against childhood cancer.
