Luong Van Hien, 77, has been bedridden for the past five years with both legs amputated following a stroke. His health has recently deteriorated, and he depends on others in all activities.

Hien's son Luong Dinh Phuc, 44, also suffered from a stroke while being treated for diabetes at a local hospital last year. And when Phuc woke up from a 15-day coma, doctors found that he was in the final stage of kidney failure.

Phuc has just returned home after six months in hospital. But now he cannot walk and speak and has to use a wheelchair. He also has to return to the hospital three times a week for dialysis.

Regarding the family's situation, Phuc's wife Pham Thi Nguyet, 44, said that she now has to stay home all day to care for her father-in-law, her husband, and her four-year-old son and can only do some odd jobs around the house.

"We've had no savings left when my husband developed multiple serious health problems," Nguyet said. "I've had to borrow nearly VND300 million from relatives and neighbours to cover his treatment so far.

Pham Van Cuong, head of the Kim Nghia Village where the family lives, said that Phuc used to work as a motorbike xe om taxi driver while Nguyet worked at a local garment company. Despite earning a modest income, they used to be able to make ends meet before serious diseases struck down their father and Phuc.

"Besides taking care of her ill father and husband, Nguyet also has to support five children with the youngest only four years old now," the official said. "Nguyet's oldest son Luong Dinh Lam, 19, has just passed the university entrance exams but has had to quit study and is looking for a job to support the family."

The official said that local neighbours have also raised money to help Nguyet's family, but the sum is still modest, and they need more to overcome the difficult time.

If you can help, send your donations to:

1. Code 5262: Pham Thi Nguyet

Kim Nghia Village, Nghi An Commune, Vinh City, Nghe An Province.

Tel: 0378533816

Bank account number: 378533816, Pham Thi Nguyet at Nam A Bank.

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