Nhat Minh – Hai An/ CafeF
The man who faced death 24 times on the operating table, which cost him his hearing, ability to speak and walk, continues to lead a group of young people in their philanthropic endeavours in Dak Lak. The Central Highlands is well-known for its harsh climate with scorching sun and blazing wind. Yet, Nguyen Tai Nam of Eakao commune in Buon Me Thuot City, Dak Lak raises up like a shining beacon with his thirst for life and strong will from this vast land of mountains and thick forests which have been around for millions of years. Unable to hear, speak and walk after facing death 24 times on the operating table, Nam is the exemplary role model for youth in Eakao
01 – 24 times facing deaths
For us, going to the hospital is an unusual occurrence. Yet the 34-year-old man and his elderly father are familiar with many hospitals across the country. In 1999, Nam’s hands, face, ears, and whole body began to have pea-sized tumors, which gradually grew each day when he was only in 4th grade. Going to many hospitals, he and his family received the same result: Neurofibromatosis.
By 2018, during the many surgeries and brain tumor treatments, Nam lost his hearing; His arms and legs shriveled. He could no longer speak or write. His frail mother is also a familiar face in the hospital. The family’s burden fell on the father’s shoulders but nothing can deter his father’s relentless efforts to save his beloved son. Years after years, Nam’s father saved and borrowed money to take him to Ho Chi Minh City for surgeries. After 24 seemingly impossible surgeries, Nam championed his recovery and despite worsening health after each treatment, he continued his philanthropic work and giving back.
After 24 seemingly impossible surgeries, Nam championed his recovery and despite worsening health after each treatment, he continued his philanthropic work and giving back.
Many organizations and individuals who heard of Nam’s situation came to visit and offer support. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City Television organized a concert to call for contribution of both material and spiritual support for Nam’s treatments. At the end of 2016, after recognizing many difficult situations within his own community, Nam established a philanthropic and volunteering group named “Ea Kao – Loving Arms” with young people to give back.
“After facing death 24 times on the operating table, many people asked me if I was afraid. Yes, fear of pain, fear of not being able to live, fear of becoming seriously ill burdening my aging parents further.. There are also fears that are too difficult to put into words. But thanks to philanthropy, I was helped by benefactors during the long period of my illness. It is also philanthropy that motivates me to live and live to the fullest.” Unable to speak, Mr. Nam communicated through typing into his mobile phone and with the help of a colleague.
02 – A special path forged as the “captain”
The terrible disease took many things away from Nam but from it, he found himself a dream, an ambition and a very uniquel path. Initially, the group “Ea Kao – Loving Arms” only focused on sick and struggling individuals within the nearby villages and hamlets. After young people learned about the group and were inspired by the “captain’s” story, they joined the group in larger numbers.
Currently, if there is any information of help needed, the group can dispatch volunteers to do site visits. Nam shared: “I came to philanthropic work as a way to pass on the spirit of kindness that I have received during my surgeries and hospitalizations from the good-hearted benefactors.”
Through his years of serving society despite his illness, Nam and volunteers in the group traveled to many places, inspiring many lives in his province. But in the past two years, complications from his illness have taken away his ability to walk. Even this obstacle did not extinguish Nam’s thirst for life and his will for giving back. Every time there is a group meeting, his colleagues will sign and write down numbers so he can be informed. Although his scribbles on the paper are messy, his text messages are slow, the effort is enormous.
After 8 years in operation, the philanthropic “Ea kao – Loving Arms” under Nam’s leadership has delivered outstanding projects such as “Raising Up”, “Uplifting Children’s Steps to School”, “Enduring Relay” Scholarship, school shirts and medical insurance for financially challenged students.
In addition, the group help patients who cannot pay off hospital fees, or arrange funerals for the destitute patients who passed away, ..
A member of the group, Ms. Pham Thi Thuy Nga shared: “Despite his limited listening and speaking ability, Mr. Nam is always the one who energizes and encourages group members. He is the leader that guide the group through a long and challenging journey. Right now, he can’t walk anymore. I’m a healthy person so why can’t I do the same as him? Therefore, everyone tried very hard and enjoy participating in the philanthropic activities.”
In a chance meeting with Nam and the group members at a charity event at Thai Phien Primary School, Dak Lak province, Ms. Vu Phuong Thanh, Swiss Ultra 2022 Champion, Representative of Tan Hiep Phat Group was deeply moved. Witnessing the benevolent values that the group brings to the surrounding community and observing the affection of the volunteer group members and the young students for Nam, she was in awe.
“I think I have much to learn from Nam about unleashing our intrinsic potentials. Thanks to Nam and his friends, I can see what youthful and willful energy can do in offering meaningful support and building long-lasting connections,” Ms. Thanh shared. Representatives of Tan Hiep Phat were on site to present gifts including school supplies and bicycles to financially challenged children offering love and support champion their studies.
After his program to support disadvantaged students at Thai Phien Primary School, Nam was preparing for the 25th surgery in his life. “I’m about to have my 25th surgery. What I want most is to be able to wake up, see the people around me and witness their happiness. My philanthropic journey with my friends will definitely continue no matter where I am…”, Nam confided.
The story of Nguyen Tai Nam with his strong will to live and his beautiful heart will be featured and broadcast in “Connecting with love” program on Humanity Television (VTV) in April 2024.
With the desire to serve society and inspire every difficult life across Vietnam, Tan Hiep Phat Group has been a trusted partner to the “Connecting with Love” program since 2019.
Over the past 5 years, the program has honored many characters who have inspired the community to overcome adversities and called for society’s participation in supporting people with special circumstances across the country.
With the spirit of serving, sowing love, and giving strength to people in difficult circumstances, Tan Hiep Phat constantly strives to make valuable contributions to the betterment of the community ranging from monthly financial subsidies and mentorship for 50 children orphaned by Covid-19 until they come of age, supporting fallen veterans’ mothers and families…