Despite facing a disability, Luu displayed remarkable perseverance and refused to succumb to his limitations. He resiliently utilized his hands and remaining functional leg to their fullest potential.
The 28-year-old Vietnamese man, hailing from Ngo May Town in the Phu Cat District of Binh Dinh province, showcases an unwavering commitment to assisting those in need. His readiness to lend a hand to individuals or households in need has become his defining attribute.
The young man has been courageously traversing Vietnam for the past five years, using his prosthetic leg, all in a heartfelt mission to assist individuals afflicted by critical illnesses or facing challenging circumstances. Along his journey, he has tirelessly raised funds to provide much-needed support to these individuals.
Angel with a Broken Wing
In early March, Luu paid a visit to a disadvantaged family residing in Tan Phuoc Ward, Phu My Town, located in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
According to Luu, three out of the four family members were experiencing severe health conditions.
“Their youngest daughter is currently fighting against acute intestinal disease; however, due to financial constraints, her family is unable to cover the expenses for her medical treatment,” he revealed.
About Nguyen Thanh Sang
Nguyen Thanh Sang, 44, has been the primary provider for his family.
Sang’s dedication to his family was unwavering, even in the face of numerous health challenges such as liver and kidney diseases, as well as diabetes. Despite these conditions, he persisted in working tirelessly to provide for his loved ones.
Nguyen Van Luu (right) gifts a lottery ticket peddler whose livelihood was hurt by COVID-19 outbreaks in Binh Dinh Province during the 2022 Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday. |
While employed at a quarry, stone debris accidentally entered his eyes.
Due to the unfortunate accident, the man has suffered permanent blindness in one eye and is consistently experiencing severe physical pain, rendering him unable to financially support his family for the past few years.
Le Thi Hong Hoang, the 44-year-old wife of Sang, has taken on the role of breadwinner in her husband’s absence.
The woman is currently facing significant challenges as she battles illness and remains physically weak. She is also struggling to ensure that her two children, particularly her youngest daughter named Tham, have access to sufficient nourishment and the necessary support they require.
The young girl, who is seven years old, experiences intense pain after using the toilet due to a severe intestinal issue. Unfortunately, her family is unable to afford the necessary medical treatment, leaving her without any relief for her condition.
Unfortunately, due to their current housing situation, the family has resorted to seeking shelter in an unlawfully constructed shed on a mountain.
Luu affirmed that after a three-day stay with the family and thoroughly confirming the story, he intends to announce a call for donations on his Facebook page.
“Embarking on the volunteer mission holds a deeply personal significance for Luu.”
Whenever he is back in his hometown, Nguyen Van Luu (left), along with other philanthropists, prepares free meals for patients at local hospitals. |
As a compassionate individual, he empathetically acknowledges the similarities between these challenges and is compelled to take action.
Luu recounted the unforgettable transformation of his carefree and fulfilling life as an employee at a prominent jewelry company in Ho Chi Minh City, which abruptly turned into tragedy following an accident in Phu Nhuan District.
Despite being only 23 years old at the time, the young man found himself without any family members present, greatly distressed by the apathetic and unresponsive behavior of onlookers at the scene of his accident.
The individual independently transported himself to the hospital and provided his informed consent by signing the authorization for the amputation of his leg.
When he woke up the following day, he came to the realization that he was no longer able to walk on his two legs.
“It was emotionally challenging to come to terms with the fact that I would be living with a disability from that point forward,” shared Luu.
“My mother fainted upon witnessing the absence of my leg.”
I made the decision to forge ahead with my life, understanding that it was essential not to cause any further distress to my mother.
Returning to his hometown, the young man found solace in the unwavering love and support of his family and friends. Their unconditional loyalty provided him with the strength and resilience needed to overcome any challenge he encountered.
After receiving encouragement and donations from strangers, Luu came to appreciate the kindness of others. This experience inspired him to make a commitment to giving back to his community.
He eventually began cooking vegan meals at a local pagoda, located near his residence.
In 2018, Luu embarked on a journey to Vinh Yen City, the thriving provincial hub of northern Vinh Phuc Province, to develop his expertise in the esteemed art of tattooing.
Upon discovering an elderly gentleman residing in a dilapidated dwelling, a compassionate individual made it a point to regularly visit and diligently clean the premises. The residence emitted a strong odor resulting from the presence of human and feline waste, as well as spoiled food.
Despite the senior man’s senile dementia, Luu consistently visited him, providing new clothes, bedding, and assistance with household repairs.
“That’s how I began my volunteer calling,” stated Luu.
Nguyen Van Luu (left) poses with Hoang My, who is receiving treatment for cancer at the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, in this supplied photo. In early 2022, Luu helped raise a large sum of money for her treatment. |
Upon completing his tattoo course and nearing the end of his stay, he took to Facebook in search of a suitable replacement to care for the elderly gentleman upon his departure.
“My posts received significant traction and were widely shared, leading to interviews with reporters,” he stated.
Numerous philanthropists stepped up to provide care for the elderly gentleman on a rotational basis.
After the passing of the old man, Luu returned to Vinh Phuc to assist in organizing and conducting his funeral ceremony.
“I sincerely hope that there will be no further requirements for my assistance.”
For the past five years, Luu has consistently dedicated their time and effort to visiting locations where help is needed, going to great lengths to ensure the stories of those in need are verified through interactions with neighbors and local government. This rigorous process ensures that philanthropists who choose to support these causes will have no regrets.
In addition, Luu was actively engaged in providing aid and support to individuals and communities severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the recent outbreaks.
One of the most unforgettable moments for Luu was when he encountered Nguyen Van Dung while driving from Quy Nhon City to Ngo May Town. Luu noticed that Dung was walking with a heavy tread.
Despite his own physical disability, Nguyen Van Luu remains optimistic and ready to take on any challenges life throws at him. |
The individual reported that he had been laid off due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, prompting him to undertake a journey by foot from Nha Trang City, situated in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, to his hometown in the north-central province of Nghe An.
Luu graciously extended his hospitality to Dung, accommodating him in his personal residence and generously offering him sustenance, financial assistance, and a bicycle.
“I had a strong desire to give him a motorbike, but unfortunately, my current financial situation prevented me from doing so,” he expressed. He also mentioned that he refrained from sharing Dung’s story on Facebook during odd hours out of concern that it might disturb potential philanthropists.”
“Even to this day, I am still burdened with a sense of guilt for not providing Dung with more assistance.”
In the earlier part of the year, Luu made a trip to Ho Chi Minh City to pay a visit to Nguyen Thi Hoang My, a 13-year-old cancer patient undergoing treatment at the Oncology Hospital.
The girl, originally from Hau Giang Province in the Mekong Delta, tragically lost her father at the tender age of two.
The prolonged treatment of My has taken a toll on her mother both financially and physically.
After only three days, Luu successfully raised over VND190 million (US$8,310) for My.
Soon thereafter, the individual discovered that he had contracted the coronavirus.
Upon his recovery in Ho Chi Minh City, he swiftly proceeded to Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, located around 120 kilometers away, where his much-anticipated assistance was urgently needed.
The philanthropist is embarking on a journey to the Mekong Delta in a few days as part of his charitable efforts.
Although he is determined to continue his mission, deep down Luu hopes that he will no longer receive text messages from individuals seeking assistance for the impoverished.
He explained that the absence of text messages implies the absence of individuals in need.
In the past five years, thanks to Luu’s assistance, his beneficiaries have received a substantial amount of money.
In early 2022, he successfully raised a total of VND840 million ($36,739) to support Nguyen Tran Thao My, a nine-year-old girl, and her five-year-old sister, Nguyen Tran Kim Ngan. The girls are residents of the central province of Quang Ngai.
The young girls tragically lost both of their parents in a road accident in Binh Dinh while they were travelling home to celebrate the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.
The family expresses deep gratitude for Luu’s valuable assistance.
“We are immensely grateful to Luu,” expressed Tran Nhan, the maternal grandfather of the girls.
“My grandchildren have experienced the loss of their parents, but thankfully they have discovered the invaluable support and love from the compassionate community at Luu.”
Exemplary Youth
Huynh Van Bac, a resident of Hoai An District in Binh Dinh Province, and the proud father of Huynh Thi Kim Thao, would like to share an unfortunate event that occurred after the birth of his twins. In the aftermath, she was afflicted with pleural effusion, which has greatly impacted their lives.
Following a two-month treatment at Binh Dinh General Hospital, her condition deteriorated, leading to heart and kidney failures.
Despite medical professionals expressing doubt about Thao’s chances of survival, the family, already facing financial hardship, was considering the difficult decision of selling their home.
Luu generously stepped in to provide assistance, successfully gathering a total of over VND810 million ($35,427) in charitable donations.
“Luu not only saved the life of my daughter but also played a fundamental role in bringing us a fresh start,” Bac expressed.
In 2020, Luu was recognized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation as an outstanding young individual who has overcome physical challenges.
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