LD26236: Child chronically ill, poor family no longer has money for treatment

At 3 months old, baby Tran Ngoc Thuy Linh (born in 2014) was discovered by her family to have an unusually large head. Worried about her child, Ms. Dang Thi Tuyet Nhung and her husband took her to the doctor and were informed that her child had hydrocephalus, from then on, Linh began a long treatment journey.

The first laparoscopic surgery was unsuccessful. Only two weeks later, the baby had to continue surgery to place a drain in her body. Since then, hospitalizations, surgeries and treatments have become a constant nightmare for the family... Baby Linh has been infected many times, having to return to the hospital to monitor and handle arising problems. To date, Thuy Linh has undergone 6 surgeries and treatments at the Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital 2 (Ho Chi Minh City).

These days, baby Linh is at home because the family no longer has enough funds to continue pursuing treatment. What makes the mother more uneasy is that for about a month now, her child has often had pain in the drainage tube position. Previously, Linh could still eat and drink, but recently she ate less, mainly drinking milk.

Seeing her child in pain and losing appetite, Ms. Nhung could not help but feel heartbroken. Ms. Dang Thi Tuyet Nhung (born in 1992) and Mr. Tran Thanh Tam (born in 1977) currently live with their two children on Van Than street, Binh Tien ward, Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to Thuy Linh, Ms. Nhung and her husband also have an eldest daughter, Tran Ngoc Thuy Duong, born in 2013.

Ms. Nhung's family did not have good economic conditions. Since her child got sick, the life of the couple has become even more difficult. The expenses for traveling, caring for and treating the child that have lasted for many years have become a burden beyond the ability of the poor family. Currently, Mr. Tam's job is unstable, sometimes having work, sometimes not. On days with work, he earns about 200,000 VND. This is the main source of income to cover living expenses for the whole family.

To have more money, Ms. Nhung receives outsourcing goods to work at home, earning about 60,000 VND per day. While taking advantage of working, she also takes care of her child, takes care of each meal and monitors the baby's health condition.

My child has been sick since she was too young, my husband and I keep taking her to the hospital and then returning home to take care of her. Seeing my child in pain, unable to eat and drink, I feel very sorry. I just hope my child is healthier, but currently the family is too difficult, wanting to take my child for treatment but there is no money," Ms. Nhung shared.

Not only facing his child's illness, the family also has to worry about Mr. Tam's health. In 2024, he underwent vascular tumor surgery. Currently, a tumor appeared behind his neck and shoulder area, causing headaches and affecting nerves.

My husband is also having health problems, but if he quits his job, the family will not have money for living expenses. Both husband and wife only know to try every day. Both families are also in difficulty, so they cannot provide much support," Ms. Nhung choked up.

Throughout the years of treatment for her child, Ms. Nhung and her husband almost had to manage on their own. Unstable income, living expenses and taking care of the two children made it difficult for the family to accumulate a contingency fund. For Ms. Nhung, the biggest wish at this time is for her child to be examined and cared for promptly and to have the conditions to continue treatment when necessary. She hopes nothing more than to see her child less painful, eat better and have the opportunity to grow up like her peers.

My husband and I have tried our best within our ability. I just hope for more help so that my child can continue to be treated, so that the family has more hope. As long as my child is healthier, no matter how hard it is, I will try my best," Ms. Nhung expressed.

Thuy Linh's journey of treatment still has many worries ahead. In a difficult family situation, the sharing of philanthropists and readers near and far will be a practical source of encouragement, helping her parents have more conditions to take care of their children, gradually overcoming this difficult period.

All support for baby Tran Ngoc Thuy Linh's family at this time is extremely precious, contributing to igniting hope so that she has more opportunities to receive health care and continue her life journey.

All help for life situation LD26236, please send to Tam Long Vang Charity Social Fund - 51 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi. Account number (STK) 113000000758 at VietinBank Hoan Kiem Branch, Hanoi; Account number: 0021000303088 - at Vietcombank Hanoi Branch; Account number: 12410001122556 - at BIDV Hoan Kiem Branch.

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