Life-Changing Heart Surgeries for Kids in Vietnam

The MEDRIX team is currently in Vietnam right now! We're getting ready to interview children and young adults in desperate need of life-saving heart surgery, and thanks to the generosity of donors like you, be able to sponsor surgeries for those most in need. For many people with congenital heart diseases, especially from rural areas, the need for medical attention is very urgent and without financial help, it is completely beyond reach. In Vietnam, despite a person's impoverished status, they must have proof of payment before a hospital will agree to schedule a surgery. This prevents many children from even pursuing heart surgery and instead live their lives weak and unable to fully participate in community life. Their parents don't ever give up hope that someday their child will be able to be healthy again, and wish for a better life than they could provide. 

Even though his son Binh was grown and had a family of his own, his father Tho was a constant fixture at Binh's appointments at Hue Central Hospital, supporting and helping his son the best he could. Both Tho and Binh are rice farmers in Binh Dinh Province in the South Central coastal region of Vietnam. Binh was able to achieve relative success despite his heart defect, finishing the sixth grade in school and being able to read and write. Binh's wife works for a textile company, and together they have a 4 year old child. Despite all of his hard work as a rice farmer, Binh only earns about $200 (USD) per month. 

While Binh and his wife managed to save more than a month's salary for his heart surgery, it was still not nearly enough. So Binh and his father Tho departed Binh Dinh Province to Hue City, hoping that the charity department at the hospital and donors from organizations like MEDRIX would be able to help. Tho was right by his son's side through all interviews and appointments, showing that a father's love for his child does not stop once they are grown. Luckily MEDRIX and a partnering NGO were able to help Binh's family with the surgery costs and he was able to be admitted for surgery right away. Binh recovered very well from surgery, and was able to return home to his village in the South Central Coast with his father Tho. Together these two men were a touching reminder to MEDRIX of the powerful love that parents hold for their children, and that the hope we have for our kids to have the very best lives never fades. 

Because of the generosity of donors like you, Binh and Tho were able to return home with a new lease on life, and plenty of hope and opportunity to care for Binh's child. Binh and Tho will be able to work even harder to provide for their family and give Binh's child a chance to complete school just like he did, and perhaps go even further! Your support of MEDRIX cannot be overstated: your donations have made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many people in Vietnam. We sincerely thank you for your partnership with us to improve the lives of those in need in Vietnam. 

Links:

• Read Binh's story and some of our other heart patient updates!