Before her diagnosis in March 2020, Nga worked as a self-employed businesswoman while raising her young daughter alone.
When doctors told her she needed to have her leg amputated to survive, her life fell into crisis. “I was in shock and cried a lot,” she recalled. “What scared me most was not knowing how long I could live or what would happen to my daughter. But I knew I had to be strong and move forward.”
With the unwavering support of her family, Nga gradually regained both her health and spirit. She found new joy in reading, traveling, and even climbing high mountains, each step symbolizing her determination to conquer challenges and accept her physical limitations with self-love and confidence.
“After five years, I’ve realized that no matter how stormy life gets, each of us has a ‘special strength’ to stand up after every fall and live better each day,” she said.
Her greatest source of motivation remains her daughter, Nguyen Duong Cat Tien, a seventh grader at Ly Tu Trong Secondary School. “I admire my mother’s strength and her constant efforts to live positively,” Tien shared. “She taught me how to love life and overcome difficulties.”
In April 2023, Nga joined the charity group Hanh Trinh Se Chia (“Journey of Sharing”) in Dien Hong Ward. Since then, she has participated in 25 trips to deliver aid to impoverished families in remote areas of Gia Lai Province.
“Every time we bring gifts to people in need, their smiles make me feel light and happy,” Nga said, recalling one special memory when her team surprised her with a birthday cake during a charity trip.
“The story of Duong Thi Thanh Nga not only inspires with her spirit of overcoming hardship but also deeply reflects human values. She is a living testament to resilient women who rise above loss and difficulty to stand tall, live positively, and spread love.”
Group leader Nguyen Thai My praised her dedication: “Nga is always enthusiastic despite her hardships. Her positive energy motivates others to join hands in community service.”
Beyond her charity work, Nga inspires thousands through her TikTok channel Nga Khong Nga (“Nga Does Not Fall”), which has nearly 115,000 followers and videos reaching millions of views.
On the platform, she shares her journeys, stories of everyday kindness, and the scenic beauty of Gia Lai, spreading the message that life’s hardships can be overcome with courage and compassion.