Every child deserves to grow up with confidence, free from the burden of feeling different or ashamed of their appearance. For Hoang Thi Nhat, her deepest wish is to provide her son, Lo Bao Trong, with that chance. Trong, born with a congenital melanoma, has faced ridicule and judgment throughout his young life due to the facial deformity caused by this condition.
The story of this resilient family begins in 2011 when Nhat and her husband welcomed their first son, Trong, into the world. Their dreams for a healthy and happy child quickly turned to despair when they learned of their son’s condition. The congenital melanoma had caused significant facial deformities, leading to cruel nicknames like “monkey face” and “forest man.”
Nhat’s heartfelt tears reveal the emotional turmoil she has experienced, battling the harsh judgments and unkind comments made by curious onlookers. Her son, Trong, still blissfully unaware of the world’s cruelty, often plays with friends and accompanies his mother to the market. Yet, as he grows older, he is beginning to question why his face is different from others.
His mother’s loving response, redirecting his attention away from the mirror, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to supporting her son. The family’s financial limitations have prevented them from pursuing the surgeries that could offer Trong a more normal appearance. It’s a harsh reality, considering that the tumor’s spread on his face makes surgery a complex and ongoing process.
Despite a charity organization’s previous assistance, the family’s economic circumstances, dependent on farming and a small grocery store, have made it impossible for Trong to receive the continuous medical care he desperately needs. The vicious cycle of the villagers’ cruel suggestions and the everyday challenges of living with a facial deformity have only compounded Trong’s and his family’s struggles.
Nhat’s greatest fear is that her son will one day become acutely aware of his facial differences and be filled with self-deprecation and shame. It’s a fear that gnaws at her heart, prompting her to dream of a miracle that will allow her son to enjoy a normal childhood, free from the harsh judgments of the world.
In their village of Nghia Loi, Yen Bai, Nhat’s family is one of the poorest households. They struggle to make ends meet, and Trong’s ongoing battle with melanoma has only added to their hardships. Lo Van Cu, the Vice Chairman of Nghia Loi Commune, expressed his hope that compassionate benefactors could come forward and help transform Trong’s life by funding the medical care he so desperately requires.
This is a story of resilience, love, and a mother’s unyielding hope for her child. It is a reminder of the power of kindness, empathy, and the potential to change a young boy’s life through medical intervention and compassion.
