There is a magical moon.

This year's Mid-Autumn Festival, for underprivileged children, is not just about the gifts given, but also about the loving and responsible support from all levels of government, localities, and the entire community…

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, a student in class 4D at Gia Tien Primary School (Gia Vien district), is the daughter of a union member and worker from a particularly disadvantaged background. Lan's father is Nguyen Van Phuc. His family is classified as near-poor and lives in a dilapidated single-story house. Ngoc Lan is the second child in the family and unfortunately suffers from leukemia.

Recently, Lan's condition worsened, requiring prolonged treatment at the National Hematology Hospital. According to the doctor's schedule, Lan needs chemotherapy once a month. Her mother is busy caring for a younger sibling and cannot contribute to the family's finances . All household expenses and Lan's treatment costs depend entirely on Mr. Phuc's meager worker's salary of over 4.5 million VND.

Despite her difficult circumstances and poor health, Ngoc Lan has always been diligent, striving to overcome hardships and excel in her studies. To support, help, and encourage Lan, the Gia Vien District Labor Union and the Tam An Fund of Tan Phu Tourism Joint Stock Company awarded her a scholarship of 10 million VND for the 2023-2024 school year. DaeDeok IMT Co., Ltd., where Lan's father works, also provided support equivalent to three months' salary, totaling 12 million VND. The gift-giving ceremony, held just before the Mid-Autumn Festival, brought even more happiness and warmth to the little girl.

Receiving this meaningful gift, Mr. Phuc emotionally shared: "These gifts are timely material and spiritual encouragement from the Trade Union organization to Lan and her family on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The financial support will help the family have more resources to take care of Lan's studies as the new school year has begun. The care of the community is the most wonderful moonlight, a great source of encouragement, helping Lan to overcome difficulties and continue to excel in her studies to become a useful member of society."

For 13-year-old Bui Thi Thu Thao, from Binh Minh town (Kim Son district), school is temporarily suspended due to treatment for leukemia. The longing for school, teachers, and friends intensifies as the new school year begins.

Thảo shared with a sad smile: "My parents are freelance workers. My father works on a clam harvesting boat, only coming home once a week. My mother works during the day and comes home in the evening to take care of my sister and me. Life was difficult, but those were warm and joyful days together. Since July 2022, I've been diagnosed with leukemia, already in stage 3, and I need intensive treatment. My health has deteriorated, and I can no longer continue my studies at school, so I've had to drop out."

Each time Thảo returned from the hospital, she was visited and encouraged by neighbors, teachers, and friends. These expressions of affection somewhat eased the physical pain caused by her illness. These days, with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, Thảo also received many kind-hearted people who came to visit and give gifts. Pairs of mooncakes, lanterns… were enough to fill the little girl with joy.

"Mid-Autumn Festival is a truly joyful day. Children get toys and sweets from their parents, they go lantern parades, and enjoy feasts… But for my sister and me, because of our difficult circumstances, the full moon night is just like any other night – we sit and wait for Mom to come home from work, and long for Dad's train to arrive… Despite the hardships, our parents still buy us gifts. Our little house is so warm and peaceful. Since I got sick, my parents have had even more worries. I try my best to endure the pain, hoping only that my health will recover soon so I can return to school and help my parents with housework. I hope that my wish on this magical moonlit night will come true," Thao said.

Mr. Tran Van Binh, Chairman of the Red Cross Society of Binh Minh town, said: Thao is the eldest daughter in a poor family in the locality. She suffers from a serious illness requiring long-term treatment, thus needing a large sum of money, exceeding the family's means. With the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, benefactors have visited and given gifts to Thao, hoping that all good things will come to her.

In the coming time, to help the family with additional funds for treatment, the Red Cross Society of the town has reported the situation to the local authorities and is also spreading the word and connecting benevolent hearts to Thao's situation. Hopefully, the collective efforts of the community will help Thao have better conditions for treatment and a speedy recovery.

Mr. Mai Van Truong, Chairman of the Kim Son District Red Cross Society, said: "Every year, during holidays, Tet, Children's Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc., the District Red Cross Society actively mobilizes and acts as a bridge connecting benevolent hearts with children in difficult circumstances."

This year, for the Mid-Autumn Festival, the District Red Cross Society received gifts from the Provincial Red Cross Society and benefactors to distribute directly to more than 30 children from impoverished families and disadvantaged backgrounds. These gifts have helped the children celebrate a complete and warm Mid-Autumn Festival.

Text and photos: Dao Hang

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/co-mot-vang-trang-dieu-ky/d20230925143849980.htm