Diagnosed with cirrhosis after suffering from abdominal pain and swelling since the age of three, Đánh has undergone years of treatment at Gia Lai General Hospital and Children’s Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Despite medical care, her condition has not improved. Now measuring only 1.4 meters in height and weighing 15 kilograms, she requires hospitalization up to three times a month, with each visit costing between 5-6 million VND (US$200-250).
Her parents, both manual laborers, are the sole providers for five children. Classified as a poor household, the family has no farmland and is burdened with heavy debt after nearly a decade of paying for treatment.
“We have tried everything, but we cannot afford her medication anymore,” said Ms. Đông, Đánh’s mother.
Despite her illness, Đánh continues to attend school with her mother’s daily support. “When I walk, I feel very tired and in pain,” she said in a faint voice. “I just wish I could be healthy enough to go to class and play with my friends.”
Local authorities have provided limited support, including a cow for livelihood, a house, school fee exemptions and a monthly welfare allowance of 1 million VND. However, the ongoing treatment costs remain far beyond the family’s means.
Ms. Quách Thị Thùy Trang, Deputy Secretary of the Biển Hồ Commune Youth Union, appealed for wider assistance: “Her illness has persisted for many years, requiring expensive treatment.
The family is impoverished and heavily in debt, so they can no longer manage on their own. We call on benefactors to join hands in supporting Đánh, giving her a chance to continue treatment and education.”
Contributions can be directed to Ms. Quách Thị Thùy Trang, Deputy Secretary of the Biển Hồ Commune Youth Union (phone: +84 359 697 579), or to Gia Lai Newspaper through BIDV account number 62110002425979, under Ms. Trịnh Thị Lệ Hằng, Deputy Head of the Organization and Administration Department (phone: +84 943 065 095).