Japanese woman deeply cares for child cancer patients.

"The smiles and health of these children are the most precious source of encouragement. That's what motivates me to continue collaborating to better support children with cancer..."

Deeply concerned for child cancer patients.

The People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province recently held a meeting to present the title of "Honorary Citizen of Thua Thien Hue Province" to Ms. Andrea Teufel, Head Representative of the German Cultural Heritage Preservation Association, and Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe, President of the Asian Federation for Child Care - Japan.

Of the two foreign women honored this time, Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe is known for her significant contributions to the healthcare sector, particularly her assistance and support for numerous child cancer patients at Hue Central Hospital.

Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe at the ceremony awarding her the title of "Honorary Citizen of Thua Thien Hue Province".

Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe stated that 30 years ago, she first came to Hue to support street children and teach Japanese at the University of Education. In 2005, she founded a non- governmental organization called the Asian Federation for Child Care (ACCL), aimed at supporting children with cancer and their families in Vietnam.

For many years, Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe has collaborated with Hue Central Hospital to successfully organize the annual Cancer Control Conference (11 consecutive years), inviting foreign experts in pediatric oncology to participate; and regularly supports doctors and nurses with scholarships for training in pediatric oncology both domestically and internationally.

In particular, she supported and provided medical equipment, medicine, and daily meals for inpatients at the Oncology Department - Pediatric Center. In 2018, she mobilized and sponsored funding for Hue Central Hospital to build the 5th floor of the Pediatric Center into the Pediatric Oncology - Hematology - Bone Marrow Transplant Department with modern equipment, including two bone marrow transplant rooms meeting international standards, enabling the hospital to successfully perform stem cell transplants for 35 patients.

Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe shared that when she first visited Hue Central Hospital, the Pediatric Oncology Unit was very small, with only 10 inpatients a day and few children with cancer being treated. However, after 20 years, the Pediatric Oncology Unit has grown larger – treating 100 inpatients daily, and many children with cancer have been treated and returned to the community.

"I couldn't have supported Hue without the wonderful working environment and people, especially the long-standing relationship with Hue Central Hospital. I thank the leaders of Thua Thien Hue province, the hospital, and the extremely enthusiastic medical staff," said Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe.

Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe also shared that children are our future, and their smiles and health are the most precious source of encouragement... This is also the motivation that drives her to continue collaborating to better support children with cancer.

Building a developed, happy, and sustainable community in Thua Thien Hue.

Speaking at the awarding ceremony for the title of "Honorary Citizen of Thua Thien Hue Province," Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, said that dedication, contribution, and sharing are what every foreigner living and working in Thua Thien Hue always aspires to do to contribute to the province's development, thereby creating a better living environment.

The leaders of Thua Thien Hue province awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Thua Thien Hue Province" to Ms. Andrea Teufel and Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe.

By working together to build the community, foreigners living and working in Thua Thien Hue province not only provide material support, but also foster a spirit of solidarity, cooperation, and multicultural understanding among nations.

"There are individuals with enthusiasm and a spirit of cooperation who constantly inspire and encourage the community by sharing resources, knowledge, skills, and experience in areas of life such as heritage preservation and restoration, helping and treating children with cancer... bringing practical and sustainable values ​​to society."

"This awarding of the honorary citizen title is to recognize, honor, and spread awareness of those tireless contributions," Mr. Phuong emphasized.

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province also expressed his hope that Ms. Andrea Teufel and Ms. Kazuyo Watanabe would continue with their enthusiastic spirit, working together to build a developed, happy, and sustainable community in Thua Thien Hue...

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nguoi-phu-nu-nhat-nang-long-voi-benh-nhi-ung-thu-169240307104404391.htm