Dantri newspaper, in collaboration with Military Central Hospital 108, recently presented Pham Ngoc Chien with a symbolic cheque for VND 183,268,558 (USD 7,050) donated by readers. Chien, born in 1991, lives in Nghia Hung Commune, Ninh Binh Province.
Thien Tam Fund contributed a further VND 20 million, bringing the total support to more than VND 203 million.
A Dantri reporter, together with doctors and staff from the social work office at 108 Military Central Hospital, presents the symbolic board for VND 183.27 million donated by readers to Pham Ngoc Chien (Photo: Ha Anh).
Chien was moved by the generosity and thanked Dantri readers and other donors for their support.
“The more than VND 203 million will help me cover many expenses while I wait for a new donated kidney for my second transplant. I am truly grateful to Dantri readers and all the generous donors,” he said.
Chien was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2019. In August that year, his mother, Nguyen Thi My, donated one of her kidneys to him, giving him hope of a healthier life.
However, the transplanted kidney began to deteriorate severely in early 2025. By March 2026, Chien had to return to hospital for dialysis. He currently undergoes the treatment twice a week.
Doctors say a second kidney transplant could improve his health and help him return to a more normal life. But the estimated cost of the transplant and subsequent treatment is about VND 1.6 billion, far beyond his family’s means.
Pham Ngoc Chien and his mother were moved as they received support from Dantri readers and benefactors (Photo: Ha Anh).
Chien’s father died when he was young, leaving him and his mother to rely on each other in their small home. My has devoted almost all her money and energy to her son’s treatment. Previous medical expenses are estimated at VND 500 million to VND 600 million. The family’s savings have been exhausted, while outstanding debts remain unpaid.
At a particularly desperate moment, Chien tearfully asked his mother to sell their house to help cover the debts and ease her burden. But the property is the only home they have, and selling it would leave them without shelter.
Pham Ngoc Chien now has to maintain a regular dialysis schedule of twice a week (Photo: Thuy Huong).
Donations from Dantri readers and other benefactors have provided vital financial support, helping Chien continue treatment and easing the burden on both mother and son. Although the road ahead remains difficult, the generosity has given him renewed hope as he waits for another chance at a kidney transplant and a better quality of life.
