DTiNews has just transferred over VND215 million (USD10,200) sent by readers to support two small children suffering from skin disease in Nghe An Province.
Phuc and Loc's family accepts the donation
On July 3, DTiNews' representatives and the chairwoman of Anh Son District People's Committee visited the family of Vo Kim Phuc and Vo Kim Loc, and gave VND215,290,000. Phuc is two-years-old and Loc is six, however they both have had epidermolysis bullosa since birth. Their skin is blistered and causes them both great pain.
Phuc's blistered leg being wrapped
Their parents sold almost everything they owned for treatment, but the disease has not gotten better. Now, the family is struggling under a huge debt. According to doctors, the children need bone marrow transplants, and even then the rate of success is only about 30%. After being told the cost for the surgery is VND600 million, Phuc and Loc's mother felt completely helpless because their family could not afford it.
Vo Kim Dung, the father, said, "When it gets hot, their sweat runs into the blistered skin, causing them even more pain. This disease also makes the skin inside their ears and mouths blister. They cannot eat anything during summer, only drink small amounts of water, so there were times I had to bring them to hospital because of exhaustion."
Blistered skin on Loc's abdomen
Vo Thi Hong Lam, Chairwoman of Anh Son District People's Committee, showed her gratitude to all kind donors. Lam said they tried to help the family and encouraged organisations in the area to support the children.
Nguyen Van Son, head of the Office of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Anh Son District, said, "I've visited them several times, yet I still feel such grief upon seeing their pain and suffering. I hope they will be cured soon to be able to smile like other children."
