A poor woman in the southern central province of Binh Dinh has received over VND324 million (USD14,087) donated by the public to help her cover treatment for her deformed face.
Dao Thi Kieu Diem (centre) in An Nhon Town receives VND 97,038,500 (USD4,219) donated by Dantri/Dtinews readers on November 22.
On November 22, a Dantri/Dtinews reporter in Binh Dinh Province visited Dao Thi Kieu Diem in An Nhon Town and gave her VND 97,038,500 (USD4,219) in donations from readers sent to the newspaper's charity fund.
Diem was moved when receiving the donation, saying that she could not imagine receiving such huge support from the public
"Since my story was published on Dantri/Dtinews, many people have called me to share their sympathy," she said. "Many have also sent money to my bank account to help me cover the treatment for my face. I have received over VND 226 million (USD9,868) from donors nationwide sent to my bank account. I want to send my sincere thanks to all the kind donors for their support."
The 32-year-old woman has been living a shy existence for many years due to her distorted face. Diem said that she faced epistaxis and pains in her forehead and teeth at the age of 14. She was then diagnosed with gingivitis by doctors at a local hospital. Despite taking medicines, her condition did not improve. After that, she was taken to a better hospital where doctors said that she had developed a maxillary sinus tumour. Her family was told to bring her to a hospital in HCM City for better treatment.
Dao Thi Kieu Diem
Her parents decided to move her to HCM City Tumour Hospital. After the surgery there, she had to experience 28 radiotherapy sessions.
She was discharged from hospital after a nearly six-month stay. The long treatment caused her to drop out of school.
Between 2006 and 2008, her saturation became swollen and bled. She was taken to HCM City Tumour Hospital again for treatment.
Returning home, she applied for some jobs but was refused due to her unusual face. She wanted to work as a tutor but children were frightened of her face.
Diem is living with her parents who are both over 70 years old. The family has run out of money following her long treatment.
Diem is now working for a handicraft workshop with a daily modest income of VND100,000 (USD4.34).
From January and June this year, Diem had to take four operations to help reshape her face. In November, she will have to return to HCM City Tumour Hospital for examination again.
Chairman of An Nhon Commune Nguyen Anh Dung said that Diem’s family is among the poorest in the locality. The family is provided with a monthly subsidy of VND540,000 (USD23). Meanwhile, Diem’s treatment is quite costly and requires a long time. He hoped that donors would support her.