The heartfelt story of an elderly man with cancer.

Mr. Thu painstakingly wrote an application to the Cancer Patient Support Fund - Photo: Provided

Mr. Thu and his wife, Ms. Pham Thi Dung, married in 1992. He was born and raised in a large fishing family, while she came from a farming family. Their difficult circumstances fostered empathy and understanding, leading to their marriage. Amidst life's challenges, they didn't expect much, only hoping for a happy family. Every day, Mr. Thu worked as a cart driver. Although the work was very hard, he didn't complain. The only thing that weighed heavily on Mr. Thu and his wife's minds was their long wait for a child.

As they grew older, Mr. Thu and his wife's desire for a child to continue their family line grew stronger. Knowing that Mrs. Dung was saddened whenever she thought about the future, he wholeheartedly encouraged her, promising to take good care of her until they were old and gray. However, what Mr. Thu didn't expect was that his health would decline rapidly after years of hard work. Many illnesses related to his lungs, heart, and colon made him weak. At times, he had to rely entirely on his wife's care.

In early 2024, Mr. Thu's wife fainted and fell to the floor. Although she received timely medical attention, she has not been as healthy as before. She is mentally impaired, sometimes forgetful, sometimes remembering. Her right arm and leg are also paralyzed. Being old and frail, and unable to care for his wife adequately, Mr. Thu has to rely on the support of his wife's sisters. This has always made him feel guilty.

Seven months ago, Mr. Thu was hospitalized again due to heart disease. Upon examination, doctors discovered another worrying issue: a tumor had appeared in his rectum. Since then, Mr. Thu has had to undergo a long course of radiation therapy. His and his wife's illnesses have depleted their savings intended for their future. Thanks to the support of relatives and acquaintances, Mr. Thu is able to have three meals a day and medication to fight his illness.

When we visited, Mr. Thu was writing an application to the "Bright Tomorrow" Cancer Patient Support Fund. Struggling to control his disabled arm, he painstakingly wrote each letter. Mr. Thu said that now, all he wishes for is to live so he can still see and encourage his wife. Even in his final moments, Mr. Thu hasn't forgotten his promise from years ago.

Tay Long

All donations for Mr. Tran Van Thu's family should be sent to Quang Tri Newspaper, 311 Hung Vuong Street, Dong Ha City (Tel: 0919001317) or transferred to the account: Quang Tri Newspaper, Account number: 0771000000456 at Vietnam Foreign Trade Joint Stock Commercial Bank - Quang Tri Branch, or sent directly to the family at the address: Mr. Tran Van Thu, Quarter 2, Ward 1, Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province.