Here is the story of how the Hong An Association is helping a boy named Huyen and his family in Kontum.
This situation is so heartbreaking. Huyen is the second of six children, all very young. Nearly two years ago, he was badly burned.
His father had sent him to buy gasoline, which is sometimes stored in bags when containers are not available. On the way home, Huyen saw his friend, who was playing with matches. Trying to playfully scare his friend, Huyen accidentally lit the bag and himself on fire. At first, the people nearby thought that the children were playing around; but when Huyen fell to the ground, everyone was horrified and rushed to help.
When Huyen’s parents saw his injuries, they did not think he could survive. Because of their poverty and their big family, they did not have money for treatment. But when his teachers came to visit and saw that him screaming in pain, the teachers took him to the hospital and paid the medical fees. Huyen has survived, thanks to them.
Nearly two years later, Huyen’s condition has improved and he is home. He is still unable to walk because of the injuries to his groin. The doctors say that he needs another skin graft procedure. But there is a complication. Huyen’s father donated skin for the first skin graft but his mother is forbidding the father to donate again because she fears for his health and the family’s welfare. These ethnic minority people believe in the “matriarchy” regime, so “the will of the wife is the will of God.” Every decision is determined by the mother.
Sadly, the doctors have said that even with more skin grafts, Huyen’s muscles and tendons shrank a lot due to the burn, so he would not be able to walk normally and will need crutches to walk.
After visiting this family, the Sisters said, “Despite his excruciating pain, Huyen was still happy and polite. He is the smartest and brightest of the six siblings. Every time the Sisters visit, he is so glad to see them.” The Sisters wrote: “Thank you to the Hong An Association for helping us to bring joy to the less fortunate. Without the Association, we do not know what to do to help those who have such difficulties. These situations are sad!”
