Nguyen Thi Hong Minh, 32, underwent the transplant at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Hanoi after being diagnosed in late 2024 with very severe aplastic anaemia.
Minh receives treatment at the National Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (Photo: Huong Hong).
Doctors said the procedure proceeded smoothly. Following the transplant, Minh’s blood counts gradually stabilised, her body responded well to treatment and no serious complications were recorded, an encouraging sign in what had been a critical case.
Hong Minh is admitted to hospital in November 2024 with a diagnosis of severe bone marrow failure; the only way to save her was a bone marrow transplant (Photo: Huong Hong).
According to doctor Do Thi Thuy, a bone marrow transplant was the only viable option to save Minh’s life. The estimated cost of the procedure was around VND 1bn (approximately USD 39,200), and in some scenarios could have risen to VND 3bn (approximately USD 117,600).
Before the transplant, Minh had already undergone multiple treatments for severe infections, costing more than VND 1bn. Her family sold their assets, borrowed extensively and even mortgaged their home, but still fell short of the required funds.
“If she received a transplant, Hong Minh would have up to a 90 per cent chance of recovery,” Thuy said. “Fortunately, her elder sister was a suitable donor and was ready to proceed. The obstacle was the enormous cost.”
Minh’s parents submitted an appeal to Dantri, seeking support from readers and benefactors to help cover the transplant expenses for their daughter, a recent graduate of the National Economics University.
After the story was published, readers nationwide donated VND 518,684,012 (approximately USD 20,340). In addition, the family received more than VND 232m (approximately USD 9,100) directly from benefactors. In total, more than VND 750m (approximately USD 29,400) has been raised.
Khuong Thi Huyen (Hong Minh's mother) receives VND 518,684,012 from Dantri readers (Photo: Huong Hong).
The funds have enabled the family to pay for the transplant procedure, medication and post-transplant care.
“I am grateful to the doctors, nurses, Dantri Newspaper, and all the readers and benefactors. Without their support, my family could not have raised such a large sum. I owe everyone for giving me a chance to live,” Hong Minh said emotionally.
Now discharged from hospital, Minh continues her recovery at home, supported by the generosity of thousands who helped give her a second chance at life.