Complete happiness comes from what is lacking.
Nearly 270 members of that special club are not all whole. Some have lost their arms, others have leg disabilities, and some spend their entire lives in wheelchairs. Yet, from their remaining limitations, they still find joy, optimism, and the strength to keep going.
Leader of resilient hearts
It was difficult to meet Mr. Ho Ngoc Thuy (1984) - Chairman of the Youth Club for People with Disabilities in Nghe An province - during the month of December. This month is associated with International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd), so there are many programs and events for people with disabilities in various localities. The appointment only took place after he had finished a program in Quy Hop commune.
Contrary to our initial expectation that he would arrive in a wheelchair, looking timid and withdrawn, when we did, he was sitting neatly in a wicker chair at a cafe, next to his familiar tricycle. His face radiated a cheerful expression, and he greeted us with a bright smile.
In 2025, Mr. Thuy had another small reason to celebrate when he excellently won a Bronze Medal at the "Sports Exchange Competition for the Health and Happiness of People with Disabilities" organized by the Project "Capacity Building and Organizational Development for the Association of People with Disabilities in Vietnam" in collaboration with the Vietnam Paralympic Committee.
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“Nearly 20 years after the accident that caused me a spinal injury, all my daily activities have been tied to a wheelchair. There were times when I felt hopeless, but thanks to the guidance of doctors, I gradually learned to take care of myself and become more independent in my daily life. In recent years, I've been learning to use a tricycle to get around and finding suitable jobs to make a living. From there, I've had the opportunity to participate in many community activities, trying to spread an optimistic spirit to those in similar circumstances,” Mr. Thuy began his story.
A native of Quynh Tho (Quynh Luu), now Quynh Phu commune, Ho Ngoc Thuy was once a healthy and energetic young man. After graduating from the Central College of Transportation IV, specializing in bridge and road engineering, he had a successful career in the southern provinces and cities. With a stable income, he had a bright future with many plans and dreams.
However, tragedy struck in 2008 when a serious traffic accident caused him spinal cord injury. Despite visiting numerous hospitals, both large and small, for treatment, a full recovery was impossible. Illness plunged the 24-year-old into despair. But having overcome this dark period, he decided he had to find a different path.
Driven by that determination, he went to the capital and enrolled in the Hanoi College of Information Technology. While studying, he established a community group on social media for people with spinal cord injuries. Through this, he gradually realized that many people shared his situation, and they needed support, information, and a community to help them overcome adversity. Applying the knowledge he had learned, he began helping his disabled friends find opportunities through job placement platforms in Hanoi.
He himself worked hard to get a job at a company specializing in processing leather products in Hung Yen province. Thanks to his diligence and skill, he was recognized by the company as an outstanding worker for two consecutive years. From a disabled worker, he became the deputy team leader of the cutting team, then the corner-fitting team, and finally the finishing team.
Unfortunately, the job required a lot of traveling, causing his health to deteriorate. Along with his mother's longing for him back home, he decided to return to Nghe An in 2016, ending his journey of earning a living in a foreign land.
During his time in Nghe An, he began participating in activities for people with disabilities. From establishing the Nghe An Spinal Cord Injury Club and expanding connections with the spinal cord injury community nationwide, to serving as a member of the Executive Board of the Provincial Association of People with Disabilities, he gradually became a bridge connecting members.
His journey became even more meaningful when he encountered difficult circumstances like that of Ms. Ho Thi Phong (born in 1986) in Quynh Luu commune. She faced a tragic situation: her husband passed away early, leaving her to raise three young children alone, while she herself suffered a spinal injury affecting her kidneys. During her dialysis sessions, he contacted benefactors to provide timely support with medication, medical equipment, and over 10 million VND in hospital fees, giving her extra support during those challenging times.
Besides Ms. Phong, every year he also connects with philanthropists to support many other members, multiplying the spirit of sharing within the disabled community.
Spreading faith and resilience.
Ms. Luu Thi Ha, President of the Provincial Association of People with Disabilities, shared that each member of the Association is a unique piece of the puzzle, but when combined, they form a cohesive team.
A prime example of this spirit is Nguyen Son Duong (born in 1990), an active member of the club, who recently won a Gold Medal in Wheelchair Racing and a Silver Medal in Badminton at the Sports Exchange for the Health and Happiness of People with Disabilities, contributing to Nghe An's delegation being awarded the flag for outstanding performance.
Duong was once a healthy young man, but in 2010, an electrical accident robbed him of the ability to move his legs. During his hospital treatment, he met and received encouragement from Mr. Ho Ngoc Thuy and other members of the Provincial Association of People with Disabilities. Duong decided to join the club, regaining his spirits and living more optimistically. He proactively connected with other members to collaborate with a household goods sales company. The regular work brought in an income of around 2 million VND per month, helping Duong and many other members to have a more stable life.
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Also within the Provincial Club for Disabled Youth, the inspiring story of Ms. Pham Thi Phuong (born in 1982, Cua Lo Ward) has touched many hearts. Those who interact with her almost forget her disabled legs, and instead, they will always remember her radiant face and lively demeanor in communication and work.
That positive energy must have motivated her to explore and learn, leading to the successful development of a hydroponic water spinach cultivation model, which won an Encouragement Award at the competition."National Women's Entrepreneurship and Green Transformation Campaign 2024".
Previously, she had graduated from Nghe An Medical College, majoring in Pharmacy. In 2010, she worked hard to open a small pharmacy to make a living. Starting with just a few simple boxes of medicine, but with her professional knowledge and daily efforts, the pharmacy gradually expanded, providing her with a stable job to build a life for herself.
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As we bid farewell to the members of the Provincial Youth Club for People with Disabilities, the stories of these resilient individuals remain vivid in our minds. Their faith and love of life have overcome their physical limitations, allowing them to possess intact souls, full of vitality and unwavering in the face of life's challenges.