Nguyen Van Phu and his two children
Nguyen Van Phu, 43, has been diagnosed with liver cancer. However, he has refused treatment in order to save money to help his daughter, who is suffering from cirrhosis. The family's financial situation has been dire since his wife passed away from leukaemia in 2015.
Despite his own deteriorating health, Phu remains the sole caregiver for his elderly parents, both over 80, his son who is in 11th grade, and his daughter who is in 8th grade. His daughter, Nguyen Thuy Hien, was born with hepatitis B, which has now progressed to cirrhosis. The chronic illness has severely impacted her health, leaving her fatigued, pale, and suffering from frequent abdominal pain and insomnia.
Phu's son helps take care of his elderly grandparents
“After my wife fell ill and passed away ten years ago, we had no savings left. I’ve tried to work multiple jobs to support my two children and care for my elderly parents,” Phu said. “Although my income from manual labour is very modest, we managed to survive on a basic level.”
Their situation worsened recently when Phu was diagnosed with liver cancer. Although doctors have proposed a treatment plan, he declined it.
“Our family’s financial situation is simply too difficult. I want to prioritise treatment for my daughter first,” he explained.
Since Phu's health began to decline, his son, Nguyen Duc Quy, has taken on extra responsibilities to help the family. He now tends to the family’s chickens, works in the fields, and delivers goods after school.
“My mother passed away early, and now my father has cancer and my sister has cirrhosis. I’m very worried,” Quy said. “My father always tries to smile and be cheerful so we won’t be sad, but I know he’s in a lot of pain. He coughs constantly, his stomach is swollen, and he can't sleep. I just hope he and my sister can get treatment and recover.”
Quy has even considered quitting school to work full time to support the family.
Quy has even considered quitting school to work full time, but Phu remains adamant that his son should continue his education.
“I just wish for a miracle for my family. I hope someone out there will help my father and sister receive treatment,” Quy said.
Do Muoi, chairman of the Vinh Ninh Commune People's Committee, confirmed that Phu’s family is one of the most difficult cases in the area. All five members are currently living in a deteriorating single-storey house that is no longer structurally safe. Although local authorities have tried to raise funds to build a new home for the family, resources remain limited.
“Phu has been struggling as a single father, caring for his elderly parents while raising his children. Now, facing serious illness, his burden has only grown heavier,” Muoi said. “Through Dantri, I appeal to kind-hearted individuals to help Phu and his daughter get the treatment they desperately need. I also hope that donors can support our efforts to build the family a safer home.”
If you can help, donate through:
Code 5623: Nguyen Van Phu
Address: Vinh Tuy Village, Vinh Ninh Commne, Quana Ninh District, Quang Binh Province
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