"Vietnam is where my daughter spent her final days filled with much love. If we can contribute something to this land, it is extremely meaningful to our family", the girl's father shared on 8/4, speaking about the decision to donate his daughter's organs to save lives.

The girl's mother also expressed gratitude to the medical staff who supported the patients during their critical moments. She viewed the organ donation decision as the family's way of thanking Vietnam, a place where their daughter "enjoyed her last wonderful moments".

Medical staff bow in gratitude to the girl before performing organ retrieval for transplant. *Photo: Hospital provided*

The tourist had arrived in Vietnam for a trip after graduating from high school. A serious traffic accident resulted in her sustaining severe injuries. Despite the doctors' efforts to save her, the expert council at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital declared the patient brain-dead on 2/4.

Upon arriving in Vietnam, the girl's parents proactively offered to donate her organs. From this source, doctors performed a liver transplant for a 53-year-old male patient suffering from end-stage liver failure due to hepatitis B and cirrhosis. The surgical team also transplanted two kidneys for a 35-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, both of whom had been on dialysis for many years.

The family affirmed that if given the choice, their daughter would have decided to give life to others. They found solace in the thought that their loved one would continue to exist and resonate with the country she had loved.

Associate Professor Duong Duc Hung, Director of Viet Duc Hospital, remarked that the family's gesture transcended all boundaries of nationality and race, connecting strangers and transforming pain into something meaningful.

The girl's mother visits the male patient who received an organ. *Photo: Thao My*

In a letter sent to the family, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan expressed deep gratitude for this noble act. She emphasized that this was one of the first organ donation cases by a foreigner in Vietnam, holding special significance not only medically but also humanely and for the friendship between the two nations.

"This act not only saves specific individuals but also spreads a powerful message that life can continue even when death is present. Compassion knows no boundaries, and in seemingly the darkest moments, people can still choose to ignite a light", a quote from the Minister's thank-you letter.

Le Nga