Nguyen Hoang Nam, a 19-year-old student declared brain-dead after a traffic accident, has given the gift of life to numerous patients suffering from end-stage organ failure. His family's decision to donate his organs allowed doctors at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital to perform life-saving transplants, with recipients now showing positive signs of recovery.

Nam's generous donation included his heart, liver, two kidneys, corneas, and other tissues. These organs were crucial for critically ill patients, including two young individuals who received a liver and a kidney. All recipients are currently recovering and stabilizing.

The Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism held a tribute ceremony on September 10 to honor Nam, a first-year multimedia communications student. During the event, Nam's family, teachers, and friends watched heartfelt video messages from the organ recipients, who directly expressed their gratitude to their benefactor's family.

Associate Professor Son (center) honored the noble act of the organ donor's family. *Photo: Thai Ngoc*

Nam's tragic accident occurred in late July in Hanoi. He was rushed to Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, where doctors worked tirelessly to save him. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was diagnosed as brain-dead, a condition where the entire brain structure ceases to function permanently, with his heart only beating with mechanical support.

Faced with their son's critical condition, Nam's father proactively approached doctors to offer organ donation, hoping to save other lives. The family also declined all financial aid for Nam's treatment. "In our most painful moment, my wife and I thought of patients fighting for their lives every day," the father shared at the ceremony. "I believe my son would agree with this decision."

Vu Phuong Thao, Nam's homeroom teacher, spoke emotionally about her 19-year-old student, whose dreams were cut short. She highlighted how the parents' decision allowed Nam's life to continue through strangers. "That noble act becomes a vivid lesson in compassion, sharing, and community responsibility, values not measured by textbooks or grades," the teacher stated.

Many teachers and students at the tribute ceremony were moved by the noble act of Nam and his family. *Photo: Thai Ngoc*

Associate Professor, Doctor Phung Duy Hong Son, Deputy Director of the Cardiology and Thoracic Center at Viet Duc Hospital, emphasized the significant medical value of organs from brain-dead donors. One such donation can save eight to ten critically ill patients, simultaneously alleviating economic and emotional burdens on society.

Vietnam has seen a notable increase in families agreeing to donate tissues and organs from brain-dead relatives. Before 2023, this rate was below 5%, but it rose to 12.9% in 2024 and reached 18.9% in 2025. This positive shift is attributed to awareness campaigns at specialized medical facilities, fostering a more open community mindset towards post-mortem organ donation.

By Le Nga