Amidst the special market on the afternoon of 29/1, Ms. Hanh, 65, from Nghe An, cherished the zero-cost Tet gifts she had just received. Due to completing her colorectal cancer radiation therapy, she chose to stay at K Hospital instead of returning home for Tet. The glutinous rice cakes, pork sausage rolls, and calligraphic scripts became invaluable spiritual medicine for her.
"Being at the hospital but still feeling the Tet atmosphere, my heart feels much lighter", she expressed her simple joy amidst a long battle with illness.
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Patients and their families participate in the zero-cost Tet market at K Hospital. Photo: Manh Tran
Not far away, Mr. Tuan, 67, from Yen Bai, carried bags full of essential food items. He shared that his wife underwent breast cancer surgery last week. Global oncology studies indicate that cancer treatment costs often push families into financial exhaustion within one year of diagnosis. In this context, the gifts from the market provided not only material value but also practical support, easing his family's worries about shopping when their budget was dedicated to medication.
The atmosphere was more subdued at the calligrapher's stall, where Ms. Lan, 45, from Bac Ninh, quietly pushed a stroller with her young child suffering from leukemia. She paused to request the character "An" (Peace). As the soft black ink appeared on the red paper, it was more than calligraphy; it was the young mother's sole prayer: peace for her child on the long and arduous journey of survival ahead.
This special market was the highlight of the "Xuan Sum Vay" (Spring Gathering) series of activities organized by K Hospital. It transformed the space, typically associated with intense shifts, into a warm, rustic village market scene with thatched roofs, glutinous rice cake pots, and vibrant flower paths. With 15 stalls, including 13 gift distribution counters, one calligraphy stall, and a free tea and water area, the program delivered over 3,000 gifts from sponsors to patients, their families, and medical staff.
According to Associate Professor, Doctor Pham Van Binh, Deputy Director of K Hospital, this initiative is based on modern medical views of comprehensive treatment. He emphasized that alongside specialized treatment regimens involving medication or surgery, mental health plays a pivotal role in a patient's recovery. Transforming the hospital into a place of joy and sharing helps patients maintain an optimistic attitude, a crucial psychological factor for them to remain steadfast in their long battle with illness.
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Many people requested the characters "Phuc" (Happiness) and "An" (Peace), wishing for peace and happiness in the new year. Photo: Thai Ha
K Hospital is the country's leading oncology specialist facility, with three locations in Hanoi, receiving approximately 2,000 visits and treatments daily. Most of these are severe cases requiring complex and prolonged treatment regimens. To continue this support, following the market, the hospital will implement activities such as "Bua Com Tat Nien" (New Year's Eve Meal) and, notably, "Chuyen Xe Yeu Thuong" (Journey of Love Vehicles). For patients far from home, these free vehicles are not just transportation; they symbolize care and ensure that, no matter the difficulties, their path home for Tet remains open.
Le Nga
