The year 2024 marks the 16th anniversary of Operation Healthy Heart. This year’s gala, themed “When Hearts Sing of Love”, weaves emotional stories through music and visuals. It highlights those who, for the first time, join the initiative and experience patients' struggles firsthand. From these experiences, love spreads, human kindness multiplies, and change is created.
The 16th Operation Healthy Heart gala presents deeply personal yet universal stories intertwined with 16 years of program milestones. Through stunning artistic performances, the program traces a 16-year journey marked by challenges and hardships, yet filled with profound happiness.
Editor Hong Nhung and host Le Anh lead the program.
The gala opened with a vibrant performance of Khuc Ca Yeu Doi (Song of a Cheerful Life) by singer Ngoc Anh and actors Hong Diem and Chu Diep Anh. The performance featured children who had undergone heart surgery and who radiated optimism and hope for a better future despite their struggles with congenital heart disease.
Born in 2007 and hailing from the Mong ethnic group in Tua Chua, Dien Bien, Giang Thi Vien’s story touched viewers deeply. Diagnosed with an advanced and rare congenital heart defect at the age of 17, her condition had gone unnoticed for years, leading to significant complications.
On the program stage, editor Hong Nhung joined the audience in meeting doctors and nurses from the Cardiology Center at E Hospital, who directly operated on Vien. They included Dr. Do Anh Tien, Head of the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Department, and Nurse Practitioner Truong Thi Thuy, Head Nurse of the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Department.
The two medical professionals who directlyattend to Vien, along with her parents and Vien herself, appear on stage during the Gala program.
The 16th Gala of Operation Healthy Heart brought a touching story of a family of a heart surgery patient who faced hardships after Typhoon Yagi, which tore off their roof and destroyed their home in Quang Ninh. The family of Mrs. Bui Thi Tim includes her grandson Thien Tam, who has undergone four heart surgeries. Tam’s mother suffers from severe epilepsy, and he has no father. At just two years old, the child also struggles with a weak eye, cleft palate, and dire living conditions. After the storm, their house collapsed, and the entire family lived in a makeshift shelter. The boy’s name, Thien Tam, and his sister’s name, Thien Nhan, were chosen by relatives in the hope that the children would remember the kindness and love they received and grow up to be good people in the future.
The revival of broken hearts like these is made possible by the perseverance of generous benefactors, one of whom is Viettel. During the program, Colonel Bach Tien Tuan, Party Secretary and Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom Corporation, shared: "Viettel, together with the VTV’s Vietnamese Loving Heart Fund, initiated the Operation Healthy Heart program. Looking back on the 16-year journey of this program, not only I but also millions of people have been deeply moved while sharing in the happiness of many underprivileged children whose broken hearts have been healed, giving them new hope and dreams. This is a profoundly meaningful humanitarian program that unites millions of hearts from organizations and individuals both domestically and internationally, who support and accompany the program".
Colonel Bach Tien Tuan, Party Secretary and Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom Corporation, tells his story during the program.
The donations not only help families of patients weather life’s storms but also, as they emerge from those significant "storms" of their lives, these acts of kindness inspire resilience and a strong will to live in the patients.
In addition to the documentaries and emotional conversations, the Operation Healthy Heart Gala brought a wave of emotions through specially crafted artistic performances. Highlights included Em Uoc Mong Sao (I Wish), performed by Pialinh's pure voice accompanied by a children's choir. The Medley Grandma 4.0 – Continuing the Dream told the heartfelt story of a grandmother who protected her grandchild through storms and lovingly cared for a child with a heart condition. Later, the child grew up strong and healthy, supported by the grandmother’s unwavering love and the kindness of others.
Em Uoc Mong Sao (I Wish), performed with Pialinh’s pure and angelic voice.
The program also features TikToker Bo Con Sau.
Since its inception, Operation Healthy Heart has garnered immense support and widespread participation from countless individuals and groups. These include those with modest incomes who still diligently contribute small amounts, as well as long-time benefactors dedicated to giving back to the community.
Also on stage are Vo Ha Linh and Dr. Nguyen Vu Huu, two of the many philanthropists who have supported Operation Healthy Heart.
Welcome to the 17th year of Operation Healthy Heart! Here’s to new hopes for disadvantaged heart patients who will continue to receive assistance thanks to the compassion of the community and the Operation Healthy Heart program. Let’s continue to spread these meaningful messages, extend a helping hand, and connect with love. Support Operation Healthy Heart, so that brave hearts can shine, and love can keep singing its song!