"I want to be a doctor and save lives so that others don't have to die like my dad," Khoa shared at the launch of the Self-Reliance Scholarship for children of organ donors. The program, organized by the Tu Tam Startup Fund and the People's Newspaper, took place on 28/8.
Khoa's father, a house painter, was his sole caregiver since Khoa was two. In June, he suffered a fatal traumatic brain injury from a fall at work. Despite the best efforts of doctors at Thong Nhat Hospital, he did not survive. His family made the decision to donate his organs, saving the lives of seven patients at Thong Nhat Hospital, Hue Central Hospital, and Children's Hospital 2.
Since his father's passing, Khoa has lived with his paternal grandparents, facing financial hardship and challenges to his education. A bright student, Khoa's experience caring for his father during his 10 days in the hospital inspired his dream of becoming a doctor. He hopes "to save many lives, just as his father gave the gift of life to others." Prior to the accident, Khoa's father also struggled with epilepsy, which often prevented him from working and affording rent.
Siblings Phuc Dien and Dai Dong are more fortunate to still have their mother. While grieving their father's passing, they also express pride in his decision to donate his organs. "I kept thinking my dad had just gone somewhere and would come back," Dien confided, "I never thought he would leave forever."
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Organ retrieval surgery at Thong Nhat Hospital. Photo: Courtesy of the hospital |
Organ retrieval surgery at Thong Nhat Hospital. Photo: Courtesy of the hospital
Dang Thi Kim Oanh, chairwoman of the Tu Tam Startup Fund's management board, stated that the fund has implemented numerous programs supporting disadvantaged children and communities in recent years. This is the fund's first scholarship specifically for children of organ donors, offering both emotional support after the loss of a parent and a tribute to those who choose to give the gift of life.
Ten children from six families across various provinces received scholarships of 1.5 million VND monthly. 500,000 VND of each scholarship will be deposited into a savings account accessible when the recipients turn 18, providing a financial cushion for their future education. In addition, the children will receive regular health checkups and mental health support, totaling 50 million VND annually. The program aims to support at least 50 children between 2025 and 2030, expanding by about 10 cases each year, with a total budget exceeding 12 billion VND. The goal is for at least 95% of the recipients to continue their education through high school graduation.
Le Minh Hien, head of the social work department at Cho Ray Hospital, said that the hospital has long been committed to supporting families of organ donors, especially ensuring children can stay in school despite financial difficulties. This scholarship marks the first long-term funding source enabling the hospital to provide continuous support until the children reach adulthood.
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The launch of the Self-Reliance Scholarship for children whose parents donated organs. Photo: Chau Pham |
The launch of the Self-Reliance Scholarship for children whose parents donated organs. Photo: Chau Pham
Thanh Tam, a resident of Nha Be, TP HCM, shared that her husband, the family's primary breadwinner, died of a stroke in 2023. He had often expressed his wish to donate his organs. Following his brain death, his mother and wife honored his wishes, saving six lives. With unstable employment, Tam faces many anxieties about her children's future as she now bears the sole financial responsibility.
"This support is invaluable in helping me continue to provide for my two children's education," she said.
Vietnam has recently seen a record increase in organ donations from brain-dead individuals, with 41 cases in 2024. However, the country remains among those with the lowest organ donation rates globally. The demand for organ transplants is high, the waiting list remains long, and many people die each day due to the lack of available organs.
Le Phuong
