Pity the old man in Kim Thanh taking care of his paralyzed wife and 2 disabled children

Accompanying Mr. Le Van Dan, a cultural and social officer of Ngu Phuc commune (Kim Thanh), to visit the family of Mr. Pham Van Them, 73 years old, in Quang Dat village, we were very sad. The small house located deep in a long alley is a shelter for 4 family members including him, his wife and 2 disabled children.

Mr. Le Van Dan said that Mr. Them's family is in a very difficult situation. He and his wife have 3 children, but 2 of them are born with disabilities and cannot walk. The second child has been married and living on his own for a long time, but his finances are also difficult.

Three years ago, his wife, Mrs. Pham Thi Khai (72 years old), had a traffic accident and had to have a brain transplant. Since then, she has suffered complications, is paralyzed on one side of her body, cannot walk, and cannot take care of herself. Mr. Them had to quit his farming job to take care of his wife and two disabled children. All expenses and living expenses of the family depend on the social allowance of his two children.

Tragedy continued to strike when in early 2024, Mr. Them’s second son was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He passed away not long after. After his son passed away, Mr. Them’s health became increasingly poor. Already suffering from many illnesses, he was unable to do heavy labor. Taking care of his paralyzed wife and two disabled children was very difficult for him.

“In previous years, when they were still healthy, Mr. Them and his wife also planted several acres of rice and built a garden to have more rice to eat, making up for their daily meals. Recently, his health has been getting worse while he still has to take care of his paralyzed wife and two disabled children. Everyone in the village sympathizes with Mr. Them’s situation, so everyone often helps the family. Those who have a lot give a lot, those who have little give a little. Sometimes it’s just a bunch of vegetables or a bunch of fish,” said Mr. Tran Van Truong, Party Cell Secretary and Head of Quang Dat Village.

Mr. Pham Van Them said that in 2021, his wife had a traffic accident. The entire nearly 200 million VND in hospital and medical expenses for his wife was supported by relatives on both sides and borrowed. It was thought that his second son would be a material and spiritual support for the couple, but unfortunately he contracted a serious illness and died at a young age. His wife and children are also currently in a difficult situation. "Now the burden of taking care of the family is on my shoulders. And I am getting older and weaker like a lamp in the wind," Mr. Them said sadly.

According to the People's Committee of Ngu Phuc Commune, Mr. Pham Van Them's family is a particularly difficult case in the commune. Over the past years, the local government has regularly cared for, visited, and encouraged the family on holidays and Tet. However, the monthly subsidy and local support are mostly used to buy medicine for family members. Mr. Them's house, which is less than 20 square meters, has just been repaired and renovated. Mr. Them's family is in great need of support, help, and sharing from the community, organizations, and individuals.

Any help for Mr. Pham Van Them, please send to account number 2304215015389, Agribank, account holder Le Van Dan, Cultural - Social Officer of Ngu Phuc commune. Please clearly state in the transfer content “Support Mr. Them’s family”. Mr. Dan’s phone number: 0982499490.