In early August, Bao An returned with her mother to their small home in My Loc village, Dinh Tan commune, Yen Dinh district, following her second brain tumor surgery at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital. The long incision along her scalp caused her to toss and turn throughout the night. Once her fever subsided, the girl reminded her mother to get her books to review lessons.

"My eyes are blurry, and I often stumble when walking, but as soon as the pain stops, I ask my mother to take me to class," said Trinh Thi Thuy, 34, An's mother.

An's illness was discovered after a series of family misfortunes. In 2024, Thuy's father-in-law passed away from lung cancer. In early 2025, her husband also died from late-stage nasopharyngeal cancer. Thuy, a factory worker earning 5 million VND per month, supports her poor household, which includes her 69-year-old mother-in-law, her nearly 100-year-old great-grandmother, and her two daughters.

In 3/2025, after An experienced prolonged high fever, headaches, and frequent falls while walking, Thuy took her daughter for a check-up, revealing that the girl had lost vision in her left eye. Previously, the family had noticed her eyes were misaligned but had not sought medical attention.

Le Thi Bao An, 7, in Dinh Tan ward, Thanh Hoa, in 2025. *Photo: Family provided*

At Hanoi Medical University Hospital, scans revealed a large craniopharyngioma deep within her brain. An was transferred to the National Children's Hospital for surgery. After the first operation, she developed several complications, including pituitary insufficiency and hypothyroidism, requiring daily hormonal medication.

In early 5/2025, the tumor continued to grow, compressing her remaining eye and reducing its vision to 1/10, accompanied by bouts of nausea and headaches. She underwent a second surgery at Viet Duc Friendship Hospital.

"The tumor is benign, but its danger level is comparable to a malignant one because it leaves many complications and requires almost lifelong medical intervention," Thuy stated.

Since An's illness, Thuy has left her 15-year-old elder daughter at home while she accompanies An to Hanoi.

Without income, she borrowed money from everywhere to cover lodging and living expenses. An's hospital fees were largely covered by health insurance, along with support from the hospital social work department. Thuy mentioned that her family received 30 million VND in assistance from the Hope Fund.

Returning home after surgery, An's vision was significantly blurry, yet she still insisted on going to class. Each week, when her health was stable, Thuy drove her daughter to school for a few sessions. In class, An sits at the front desk, focusing on her teacher's lessons. Copying notes or moving around the classroom relies on the help of friends and teachers.

With the upcoming school year, the young mother takes advantage of odd jobs like masonry and carrying goods around the commune to save up for her daughter's follow-up appointments.

"My daughter's dream right now is to continue going to school with her friends. Seeing her strive, I tell myself I must be strong to be her pillar of support," Thuy said.

Program name: Ten cua ban - Mat troi Hy vong

Program ID: 22966

Nga Thanh