Happiness is giving.
"Saint Paul taught, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' For me, happiness lies in giving, especially when that giving contributes to protecting life, giving strength, faith, and hope to patients to overcome difficulties...", that is the philosophy of Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Van Huong.
• 12/11/2024
Every Tuesday, in a small, shady corner of the Nghe An Oncology Hospital, a free haircut and hair wash service is provided for cancer patients. The activity takes place quietly, without noise, but is filled with a warm atmosphere of sharing and love.
Under the skillful hands of professional stylists from salons, hair damaged by the side effects of chemotherapy is neatly trimmed.
Looking at her new appearance in the mirror, Ms. Tran Thi Thuan, a breast cancer patient from Do Luong district, expressed: "I am currently on my third treatment regimen, and my hair has fallen out so much that I had to shave my head, which made me feel self-conscious and insecure because, as our ancestors said, 'teeth and hair are the cornerstones of a person's appearance.' But the encouragement from the doctors and the barbers has helped me feel much warmer and more confident."
"Free haircuts and hair washing for cancer patients" is one of the initiatives of Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Van Huong, which has been maintained since 2019 by the Social Work and Communication Department (Nghe An Oncology Hospital) in collaboration with philanthropists and hair salons in Vinh City and surrounding districts.
Furthermore, to boost the morale and strength of patients battling serious illnesses, the Social Work and Communication Department collaborated with the "For a Brighter Tomorrow" Fund to organize the "Hundred Hairs, Million Smiles" hair donation event. Through this initiative, 700 people donated hair to raise funds for cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Oncology Hospital – "every strand of hair, a strand of love!"
Many underprivileged patients have received support from practical programs and activities like these, with Dr. Nguyen Van Huong, a Specialist in Internal Medicine, being the main driving force behind them.
Born and raised in a devout Catholic family in Yen Dai parish, Nghi Phu commune (Vinh City), Dr. Nguyen Van Huong graduated from Thai Binh Medical University in 1996 and joined the Vinh City Health Center. He was assigned as the Head of the Nghi Phu Commune Health Station, and in 2011, he was transferred to become the Head of the HIV Clinic (now part of the Nghe An CDC).
His involvement in social work began in 2016 when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Nguyen Van Huong personally accompanied his father to examinations and treatment, witnessing many patients not only suffering from illness but also struggling with meals and medical expenses.
Driven by a strong desire to do something to help them, in 2017, he applied to work at the Nghe An Oncology Hospital and was assigned to head the Quality Management and Social Work Department (now the Social Work and Communication Department), fulfilling his wish.
At that time, the newly established department did not have many activities. With the attention and support of the hospital's Board of Directors, Dr. Nguyen Van Huong implemented the development of a network of social work collaborators in all departments and wards to promptly understand the concerns and circumstances of those in need of support.
As a result, the activities of the Social Work and Communication Department have gradually made their mark with practical programs that closely meet the needs of patients.
Typical examples include programs like "Spring of Love" and "Connecting with Love," which invite celebrities such as People's Artist Hong Luu and singer Siu Black to perform, boost morale, and raise funds for poor patients. Another example is the appeal to philanthropists to support the construction of a "Zero-Cost Library," where those who have extra can bring in, and those who need can take, with many essential items such as clothing, hand sanitizer, masks, wigs, etc., estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dong.
Notably, through his connections and reputation, Specialist Doctor Nguyen Van Huong also connected with well-known garment companies to sponsor hundreds of export-standard warm jackets, bringing warmth to patients during the winter; and established the "Bright Tomorrow Fund" and the "Charity Fund" to support cancer patients.
The "Bright Tomorrow" Fund continues to operate to this day and has supported 200 patients with a total amount of over 745 million VND.;Connecting with the Vinh Diocese Business Association to donate gifts worth over 100 million VND to encourage elderly patients undergoing treatment at Nghe An Oncology Hospital; connecting with charitable organizations to coordinate with the hospital's cafeteria to provide standard meals for patients underprivileged with medical conditions as per the Ministry of Health's guidelines (prioritizing departments with many critically ill patients)...
Through this, we spread the "flame" of compassion and community support, helping to encourage and alleviate the suffering of patients.
In addition to providing material support, Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Van Huong directed the Social Work and Communication Department to implement many activities to encourage patients emotionally.
For example, the creation of the photo album "The Smile of Victory," which preserves the most optimistic and heartwarming moments of patients, with smiles of hope shining on their lips.
Or consider the rotating charity programs based on holidays throughout the year, tailored to specific groups, such as "Mid-Autumn Festival Reunion" and "International Children's Day," which provide gifts to young patients; the "Happy Smile" program, which encourages "female warriors" battling serious illnesses on March 8th and October 20th; and the program to express gratitude to patients who are war invalids, wounded soldiers, or family members of those who contributed to the revolution, currently receiving treatment at the Nghe An Oncology Hospital on July 27th…
To gain the trust and long-term partnership of charities and philanthropists in the hospital's charitable activities, and to expand support for patients, the "secret" of Specialist Doctor Nguyen Van Huong can be summarized in a few words: "Openness, transparency, sincerity, and using effectiveness as the measure!"
Dr. Nguyen Van Huong shared: "Personally, I and my colleagues in the Social Work and Communication Department are determined never to accept even a single penny from benefactors or express our gratitude in the form of material gifts from patients."
We simply act as a "bridge" to connect philanthropists and charitable organizations, allowing them to directly donate to patients. Therefore, we have built trust with both donors and recipients.
Some philanthropists, upon directly visiting the hospital and witnessing the reputable work of the social workers, decided to remain long-term partners. Their donations increased with each subsequent donation, and the number of patients receiving support also steadily grew. Furthermore, they encouraged others to join in, expanding the initiative.
For example, the "Bright Tomorrow" Fund initially supported only 5 patients per month, but now it has increased to 10 patients, with support of 5 million VND per person per month.
The doctor, deeply involved in social activities, also pays close attention to the manner of giving and receiving, because, as the old saying goes, "it's not the gift itself, but the way it's given." With a large number of patients and limited support, giving directly in the wards might make some feel disheartened and saddened, as everyone is suffering from a serious illness. Therefore, depending on the actual situation, the hospital will arrange for the benefactor to give directly to the patients in the department office or the general meeting hall.
"Just as a tree needs care to thrive, so too do relationships with philanthropists and charitable organizations. We must connect regularly and maintain close contact, not just remember them when we need them," emphasized Dr. Nguyen Van Huong.
Commenting on social work at the hospital, Dr. Pham Vinh Hung, Deputy Director of Nghe An Oncology Hospital, shared: Cancer patients often undergo long and costly treatments, and many families face difficult circumstances and need assistance. Therefore, the hospital's Board of Directors has been concerned and established the Social Work and Communication Department.
Since its establishment, the head, Dr. Nguyen Van Huong, with his high sense of responsibility and innovative approach, has successfully rallied charitable organizations and philanthropists to carry out numerous philanthropic activities to support and encourage patients both materially and spiritually, helping to make treatment more effective.
The love and compassion of social workers like Specialist Doctor Nguyen Van Huong and his colleagues have spread kindness, giving many patients the opportunity to receive treatment and overcome their illnesses.
In a letter to the Military Medical Conference in March 1948, President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: "Doctors not only have the duty to cure illnesses but also to uplift the spirits of the sick."
The charitable activities that Dr. Nguyen Van Huong and his colleagues are carrying out are also aimed at "boosting morale" and giving hope to patients. Furthermore, as a Catholic, Specialist Doctor Nguyen Van Huong is always committed to the mission of the medical profession: "dedicated to protecting life."
Outside of his time at the hospital, he dedicates his weekends to working alongside philanthropists and charitable organizations in remote areas to distribute medicine and provide medical examinations for the poor. Notably, this doctor also quietly uses his own money to support the cost of medicine and meals for many patients in particularly difficult circumstances, enabling them to continue their treatment according to their prescribed regimen.
Speaking with us, Ms. Du Thi Oanh, born in 1965, from Xuan Lam commune (Hung Nguyen district), a breast cancer patient currently receiving treatment at the hospital, emotionally expressed: "I have a difficult situation. My husband died early from cancer, my child is studying at university, my mother suffered a stroke and is paralyzed on one side of her body and bedridden, and my younger sibling has congenital cerebral palsy since childhood."
For the past four years, Dr. Nguyen Van Huong has provided financial support from his salary to cover my medication and meals at the hospital cafeteria. Many other patients in difficult circumstances have also received similar support; he is a doctor with a compassionate heart…”
There were cases where patients only contacted Dr. Huong by phone, but after explaining their circumstances, Dr. Huong readily agreed to help without hesitation; such as Ms. Lo Thi Hieu (born in 1986), a Thai ethnic woman from Chieu Luu commune, Ky Son district, who married and moved to Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province.
Two years ago, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer and received treatment in her husband's hometown, but her condition did not improve and their finances were depleted.
Helpless and hopeless, she returned to her maternal grandparents' home in Ky Son district to live out her final days. However,"One day, by chance, I heard that the Nghe An Oncology Hospital provided support to cancer patients in particularly difficult circumstances. I contacted Dr. Nguyen Van Huong, Specialist II - Head of the Social Work and Communication Department, directly to request assistance with treatment costs. With the help of Dr. Huong and the hospital, I was admitted for treatment at the Nghe An Oncology Hospital. During the treatment process, with the encouragement, care, and support from the hospital's leadership, doctors, nurses, the Social Work and Communication Department, and benefactors, both materially and spiritually, I gradually gained more strength and hope for life. After a long period of treatment, I have overcome 6 rounds of chemotherapy, and now I am alive and feel reborn. I am truly moved and extremely grateful..."(Excerpt from a thank-you letter dated March 25, 2024, from Ms. Lo Thi Hieu).
Similarly, Ms. Pham Thi Dung, residing in Nghi An commune, Vinh city, faces a rather difficult situation as both she and her husband suffer from cancer, making life even harder for this retired soldier couple with three children. In July 2023, her husband passed away, further devastating Ms. Dung's spirits.
However, a glimmer of hope appeared when she heard the news and went directly to the Social Work and Communication Department of Nghe An Oncology Hospital to ask for support. She was encouraged by Dr. Nguyen Van Huong to be admitted to continue treatment in Internal Medicine Ward 4.
“During my treatment, I received a lot of help from Dr. Nguyen Van Huong (support with hospital fees, transportation, etc.) and many gifts from benefactors. After 8 rounds of chemotherapy, my condition has improved significantly. I am gradually gaining more motivation to fight the disease and hope to return to normal life soon… Thank you to the silent heroes in white coats, thank you to the smiles that have brought me and other patients faith in the treatment results and a better future…”, Ms. Dung confided.
Perhaps the heartfelt thanks from the patients are the clearest evidence of the efforts for public health made by Specialist Doctor Nguyen Van Huong and the doctors and nurses at Nghe An Oncology Hospital.
Always humble when speaking about herself, the "leader" of the Social Work and Communication Department is deeply concerned about the fact that the Nghe An Oncology Hospital is currently managing and treating approximately 10,000 patients, of whom about 1,000-2,000 are in particularly difficult circumstances.
Although the hospital's Board of Directors has directed the implementation of many programs to support patients, resources are limited. Therefore, Dr. Nguyen Van Huong hopes that "more philanthropists and charitable organizations will continue to accompany and support cancer patients; because 'Love will be greater than all fear and pain, helping patients to fight against this serious disease and prolong their lives!'"
