I’ve been back in Hanoi for just over a week. My trip to the States was quick and full. I was able to see Thao on my way back to Hanoi. By that time she had been to see the doctors at Shriners again. The plastic surgeon is very hopeful with the possibilities for her face. However, he believes the treatment will take up to two years if there are no complications. If there are some complications this would add another year to her treatment. The hand surgeons are less confident about her hands, but they do believe they can make some improvements.
The host family and I had a long conversation with Thao and her father about the reality of the situation. It’s going to be a long and difficult two years from them and we wanted to make sure they understood the commitment they need to make to each other to see the process through. Thao has never once flinched at the thought of the proc
ess. She is committed to all of the difficulties she is about to incur. There will be times where she will be unable to use her hands, times when she will have to stay in bed, times where she will be unable to run and play and times where she will be homesick for her Country and her family. Mr. Cong is a bit more worried about the difficulties; however he is just as committed to Thao as Thao is committed to herself.
David and Hanh (the host family) have also expressed their commitment to Thao and Cong. They have agreed host them for at least the first year. They have already made many connections in the community for Thao and Cong. There are Vietnamese families in the neighborhood who have stepped up and befriended Thao and Cong. Hanh has also been looking into finding a school for Thao to attend.
This has already been a great adventure for everyone involved and we looking forward to the challenges ahead. If anyone can get us through this it will be Thao herself. She is an amazing girl and someone who should be admired by all that know her.
HSCV has also been busy over the past few week distributing 550 wheelchairs in Hanoi. These wheelchairs are distributed to any person needing one. Please check back shortly for stories of a few of the recipients.
On Saturday October 6, 2007 we had our 3rd annual Fall Fundraiser here in Hanoi. The turnout was amazing as was the support from the local community. The numbers are not in but we more than doubled our proceeds from last year and tripled our attendance. We owe a big thank you to all that volunteered this year and especially to our Coordinator Ms. Alice Martineau. Without her none of this would have come together.
We were fortunate to have a day of sun, after the weeks of rain we had leading up to the event. The children’s activities were full from opening until sun down. The stage was full of energy from the children’s performances and the bands later in the night. T
he food and drinks stalls all had lines. It was the perfect event! We are so thrilled with all of the support in the lead up on that day! We can’t wait to do it again next year.
Well that’s the basic update for now. I’ll try to get some more stories and photos up shortly.
Annetta
The host family and I had a long conversation with Thao and her father about the reality of the situation. It’s going to be a long and difficult two years from them and we wanted to make sure they understood the commitment they need to make to each other to see the process through. Thao has never once flinched at the thought of the proc
ess. She is committed to all of the difficulties she is about to incur. There will be times where she will be unable to use her hands, times when she will have to stay in bed, times where she will be unable to run and play and times where she will be homesick for her Country and her family. Mr. Cong is a bit more worried about the difficulties; however he is just as committed to Thao as Thao is committed to herself.David and Hanh (the host family) have also expressed their commitment to Thao and Cong. They have agreed host them for at least the first year. They have already made many connections in the community for Thao and Cong. There are Vietnamese families in the neighborhood who have stepped up and befriended Thao and Cong. Hanh has also been looking into finding a school for Thao to attend.
This has already been a great adventure for everyone involved and we looking forward to the challenges ahead. If anyone can get us through this it will be Thao herself. She is an amazing girl and someone who should be admired by all that know her.
HSCV has also been busy over the past few week distributing 550 wheelchairs in Hanoi. These wheelchairs are distributed to any person needing one. Please check back shortly for stories of a few of the recipients.
On Saturday October 6, 2007 we had our 3rd annual Fall Fundraiser here in Hanoi. The turnout was amazing as was the support from the local community. The numbers are not in but we more than doubled our proceeds from last year and tripled our attendance. We owe a big thank you to all that volunteered this year and especially to our Coordinator Ms. Alice Martineau. Without her none of this would have come together.
We were fortunate to have a day of sun, after the weeks of rain we had leading up to the event. The children’s activities were full from opening until sun down. The stage was full of energy from the children’s performances and the bands later in the night. T
he food and drinks stalls all had lines. It was the perfect event! We are so thrilled with all of the support in the lead up on that day! We can’t wait to do it again next year.Well that’s the basic update for now. I’ll try to get some more stories and photos up shortly.
Annetta
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