Teacher fights cancer for 9 years but still welcomes children with love

Despite suffering from a terrible cancer, for the past 9 years, Ms. Cao Thi Thu Hien (teacher at Phuong Mai Kindergarten, Kim Lien Ward, Hanoi) has always been steadfast in pursuing her teaching career, spreading love to her students.

Journey through the "darkness"

With over 25 years in the profession, Ms. Hien has experienced a journey filled with innocent eyes and smiles of many generations of children. For her, this job is not just a job but has become her breath, her reason for living.

Loving her job and children, the world around her was always filled with sunshine and clear laughter. However, life suddenly challenged her with a cruel disaster.

In 2017, when Phuong Mai Kindergarten had just achieved national level 1 standards and her career was at its peak, a health check brought the shocking news that she had cancer. At the age of 40, everything before her eyes seemed to collapse in the blink of an eye.

Ms. Cao Thi Thu Hien, teacher at Phuong Mai Kindergarten, Kim Lien ward, Hanoi .
Photo: NVCC

“The word ‘cancer’ echoed in my ears like a hammer blow, shattering all my ambitions and peaceful life. I thought of my children - who needed me to be strong to lean on. Going to school, seeing the children absorbed in each drawing, the loving faces of their parents, I suddenly wondered: Do I still have enough strength to continue to contribute to my career?”, Ms. Hien said.

In the first days after receiving the results, she was surrounded by fear and a feeling of abandonment. She still remembers the painful chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions that weakened her body, her long hair suddenly falling out with each treatment. Many times, lying on the hospital bed, watching her colleagues busy with lesson plans and children's voices, she thought about giving up, letting the disease decide her fate.

The will to overcome all comes from love for the profession

It was her intense love for the job and the children's eager eyes that brought her back. “I remember clearly the moment I returned to school after a long leave for treatment, my hair was gone and I had to cover it with a scarf. A little girl timidly approached and asked: 'Teacher, why don't you have beautiful hair anymore?' That innocent question contained no fear or alienation, only the sincere concern of a little soul. It was at that moment that I realized that I was not only fighting for myself, but also had to fight for the lives of these young buds. They needed me, needed the warmth and faith that I could bring,” Ms. Hien said.

The teacher born in 1977 told herself: Cancer is not the end. It is a difficult chapter but the story of life must continue. She understood that she only had 2 choices: Either stop or face it and move on. “At that moment, my love for the profession shone brighter than ever. I chose to move on with all my faith and love for life,” the teacher shared.

Despite suffering from a terrible cancer, for the past 9 years, Ms. Cao Thi Thu Hien has always fulfilled her duties well, remained resilient, and spread love to her students. Photo: NVCC

Her own efforts, along with the encouragement and support from the Board of Directors, colleagues, family and even trusting parents, helped Ms. Hien overcome the most difficult period. Although her body still shows signs of the battle with the disease, she always maintains an optimistic spirit.

Returning to school, she gathered all her love and understanding after months of despair and negativity to devote herself to taking care of her students. She actively innovated her teaching methods, imparted her whole heart and cherished every moment of being a teacher. “I want my children to understand that life is always difficult, but faith and determination will be the wings that help us fly,” Ms. Hien said. Many times, she forgot that she was in pain or sick, only focusing on taking care of the children and trying to prepare good lessons every day.

Currently, Ms. Hien still goes to the hospital every month for a health check-up and some tests. Each time she has a biopsy, she has to lie still for 8 hours, which is not an easy experience for anyone.

The smiles and innocent eyes of the children are a great encouragement for Ms. Cao Thi Thu Hien to continue pursuing her teaching career and spreading love to her young students. Photo: NVCC

Despite suffering from a serious illness, Ms. Hien is still a bright spot at Phuong Mai Kindergarten. For many years, she has been a competitive soldier and an excellent teacher at the district level. Ms. Hien won first prize in the "Dong Da Dedicated and Creative Teacher" contest in 2024; and was honored by the Department of Education and Training as a Dedicated and Creative Teacher of Hanoi in 2024. She also participates in social work, volunteer programs, and is an exemplary citizen of the neighborhood group...

Recently, Ms. Hien was recognized by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training as an outstanding teacher in the Hanoi Education and Training sector in 2025. But for her, the greatest award is always being loved by students and parents.

When asked about her dream, Ms. Hien shared that her simplest wish is that every day at school for her children is filled with joy. "My love for the job and the happiness of seeing my children grow up has given me the strength to live, overcome illness and constantly create. The fight against illness has taught me a valuable lesson: Live fully with what you love. For me, the greatest source of motivation is the laughter of children and the career of sowing knowledge. Thanks to that, I have overcome seemingly hopeless difficulties and will continue to write beautiful pages for the career of education ," the teacher shared.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/co-giao-9-nam-chong-choi-voi-can-benh-ung-thu-van-deu-dan-don-tre-bang-tinh-yeu-2463248.html