Meet Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, born in 1980, residing in a modest home nestled within a quiet alley in District 12 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Thuy is the devoted mother of two children: a son in the 8th grade and a daughter in the 3rd grade.
Thuy's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). As her condition progressively worsened, her children took on the roles of caregivers, tending to household chores, cooking, and most importantly, caring for their mother. They assist her with feeding, guiding her to the restroom, and helping with her baths, as Thuy's ability to move has become severely limited.
Sadly, the disease has taken its toll on Thuy, causing her limbs to atrophy and her body to weaken, rendering her unable to control her normal movements. In the past two months, ALS has further advanced, affecting her throat muscles to the point where she has lost her ability to speak. While there is no known cure for ALS, Thuy has tried muscle relaxants and traditional medicine, seeking treatments far and wide, yet she has not witnessed significant improvement.
Adding to the family's challenges, Thuy's husband left her and their children alone upon learning of her diagnosis, leaving them without a sou
rce of income. This has placed additional pressure on her children, who not only must cope with their mother's illness but also bear the financial responsibilities of the household.
Upon hearing of Thuy's plight, a group of caring individuals from Glenda Studio, including friends and acquaintances, gathered to extend their support. Together, they raised 10 million VND (equivalent to around $500) in one day and provided essential food supplies to alleviate some of the family's immediate burdens.
During their visit, Thuy's emotions overflowed, and she continuously shed tears. While she struggled to communicate verbally due to her condition, her attempts to speak were met with understanding and compassion, facilitated through her children and a thoughtful neighbor who acted as intermediaries.
If you are interested in joining our efforts to help Thuy or other local individuals facing similar hardships in Vietnam, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your kindness and willingness to make a difference can bring much-needed hope and relief to those in need.
This was so emotional meeting Thuy and her family. She was so upset that she had got to the level of needing charity, she probably was also embarrassed about this and that she couldn't communicate with us. I feel so sorry for her kids too, having to care for their mom whilst dealing with the trauma of their father deserting them and the worry about how they can support the family. Glenda will stand by them.