He is 6 years old, with a lively voice, slightly chubby cheeks, and eyes that often smile.
From the very first phone conversation with us, he was completely at ease. He answered whatever we asked and occasionally asked questions in return. Even when his parents reminded him to behave, his natural quick-wittedness still shone through.
Bằng is entering grade 1 this year. Because of the coronavirus outbreak, he is currently studying online at home. He enjoys mathematics and is good at it, as shown by his quick answers to every calculation we gave him.
Then Bằng showed us around the garden… through a video call app on the phone. We talked about all sorts of tiny things, like friends just starting school — small, simple things, just like what you are reading here.
Our little friend says he wants to become a police officer. What for? To catch criminals, of course! But why catch them… he does not know. So innocent, isn't he?
If you ever speak with him, you will surely fall in love with his sweet, unassuming little Mekong Delta voice. We hope to visit him in Cà Mau soon and play with him in the small garden behind his home.
He currently lives with his family: his parents and an older sister in grade 3. His father does whatever hired work he can find; his mother mostly stays home to care for the two children.
Had I not heard about Bằng beforehand, I would not have known that he is living with congenital bone marrow failure, an illness that came so early and brings many challenges for someone his age. Every month he must have examinations and blood transfusions according to his doctor's treatment plan. Without transfusions, his father explained, he becomes pale and develops bruises on his arms and legs.
It is heartbreaking to think about! But do you know what? His story taught us that children have such positive energy. No matter how much pain they have endured, afterward they can still laugh, feel at peace, and live without worry. It is a precious quality that we adults need to learn.
Bằng is 1 of the 16 child patients who currently Angel Legs Dream Foundation is providing ongoing support for monthly treatment costs.
This article comes to you through my account — as an Ambassador accompanying him and sharing his story with all my pride in my new friend. Perhaps through this, I was fortunate to gain 1 lovely friend at the far southern tip of our country. If you would like to join me, him, and his other friends, please message or contact us! We are always happy to share with you, so that together we can do something for our little friends — just a little, yet filled with an immense love <3
Detailed profile of Bằng: http://giacmodoichanthienthan.com/ho-so-be-truong-cong-bang/
Community members interested in helping can contact the Fund to provide 1-to-1 companionship for Bằng or other child patients for 6 months or 1 year. Support for each child totals 12–24 million/year, requiring a monthly transfer of just 1–2 million. This is also each child's average monthly medical treatment cost.
Details of the 1-to-1 Companion Program at: https://www.facebook.com/giacmodoichanthienthan/photos/a.493245170710009/3181075758593590/?type=3
Fund contact information:
Hotline: 0898.101.555 (Đại Lộc)
Inbox: http://m.me/giacmodoichanthienthan
Email: [email protected]
On behalf of the GMĐCTT Fund Executive Board
Ambassador Nguyễn Hoa extends heartfelt gratitude!
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Read more stories about the children: http://giacmodoichanthienthan.com/category/cau-chuyen-ve-cac-be/