Pham Ngoc Ung receives donation
War veteran Pham Ngoc Ung returned home in 1972 after fighting in the American War in the southern region from 1967-1972. As he was exposed to the deadly chemical Agent Orange spread by the American troops during the war, all three of his sons are disabled so he sold his house nearly 20 years ago to cover treatment for them.
"My second son had genital deformities from birth, while my eldest and youngest sons seemed fine. But as they grew up, I can see that they are mentally stunted. My second son can't work and my youngest is diagnosed with schizophrenia. My wife can't bear it," Ung said.
Ung and his second son
After selling their house, Ung took one son back to his hometown while his wife stayed in Sam Son City with two sons at a relative's house. His wife began to suffer from arthritis over the past four years and can hardly move around, Ung and his son went to live with her in Sam Son.
The elderly man has to help all of his three sons in their daily activities
He borrowed money to build a small house and incurred a big debt.
After his story was published on Dantri/Dtinews, many readers have sent money to support the family. On August 18, Dantri representatives visited and transferred VND90,617,000 (USD3,900) to the family of Ung. Other readers also called and directly donated nearly VND10m to him.
"Our health has deteriorated so quickly that we can not do hard work like before. We can only depend on the monthly allowances," Ung said. "I don't know what to say but thank you to everyone."
Bui Quoc Dat, vice-chairman of Sam Son People's Committee also thanked the readers.
"Ung not only has to look after his sons but also his wife who is almost paralysed now and we can only help them so much. We hope more difficult cases in the area will get help in the future," he said.
