LD26009: Grandmother fights cancer, takes care of a slow-growing child in Hai Phong

Ms. Nguyen Thi Luan (65 years old), is a familiar face in Lieu Trang residential group, Tan Hung ward, Hai Phong city. Her husband passed away early, she alone had to shoulder the whole family. Her son is a freelancer, her daughter-in-law is a low-income worker, while she is being treated for thyroid cancer. As each day passed, she had to balance between taking care of herself and taking care of her family.

The biggest difficulty at present is her 15-year-old grandson, her son's eldest grandson, who is mentally ill, unable to go to school, and uncontrolled behavior. Every basic activity such as eating and going to the toilet requires help. " one day I called my child to the yard and gave him a cake, he could only say two words: "please grandma"... and listened and felt heartbroken" - Mrs. Luan said with choking on.

She still remembers when her daughter-in-law was pregnant, in the 7th month, the daughter-in-law had a fever, perhaps from then on her grandchild's health was not normal. Now, while she is self-treating, she still has to follow her child's every gesture, from eating, hygiene to daily living needs, both physical and mental hardship.

Her house is simple and old, the small garden is just enough to grow a few beds of vegetables, the kitchen is old. The items in the house are almost of no value, reflecting the daily life. Ms. Luan said: "Every day I have to think and worry about my children, grandchildren, and myself, because I don't know what the future will be like."

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung - Head of Lieu Trang TDP said: "Ms. Luan's family is one of the disadvantaged households in the neighborhood. She has gone through many challenges, taking care of her children, grandchildren, and fighting the disease. The community is always ready to support, but the conditions are still limited".

neighbors often visit, send her some food, medicine, or help her with her daily activities. However, the help has only partly eased the immediate burden. Mrs. Luan is still resilient, trying every day to take care of her grandchild, every small act such as cleaning the house, cooking, or talking to her grandchild shows her great love for her family.

Her life is a living proof of the difficulties that many elderly people are sick and have to bear the burden of the whole family. In that old house, between illness and deprivation, there is still humanity, sharing and growing hope.

Life may be difficult, but in her eyes, there is still determination and the belief that one day, her grandchild will receive better care, love and development opportunities.

Please send any help to LD26009 Ms. Nguyen Thi Luan to the Golden Heart Charity Fund - 51 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Account number (STK) 113000000758 at Vietinbank Hoan Kiem Branch, Hanoi; Contact number: 0021000303088 - at Vietcombank Hanoi Branch; Contact number: 12410001122556 - at BIDV Hoan Kiem Branch.

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Ms. Nguyen Thi Luan (65 years old), Lieu Trang Residential Area, Tan Hung Ward, Hai Phong City. Photo: 0334473951

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