Life has not been kind to Cam Nhung (born in 1982, in Nam Dan, Nghe An) when she was diagnosed with a rare spinal cord inflammation at a very young age. Paralysed from the chest down, she lost all mobility in her legs and the ability to control bodily functions. With a weakened spine, her immune system deteriorated, and she could no longer support her own body. Her life has been confined to a wheelchair and the support of those around her.
Nhung's parents served in the military during the war against the U.S. and returned to farming after demobilization. Despite the family’s difficult economic situation, they did everything they could to find treatment for their daughter. "Where there's an illness, there’s a prayer for a cure," she said, describing achildhood filled with years of searching for a solution to her condition. From the age of 6 to over a decade later, her family never lost hope, but when all doctors' conclusions became pessimistic, they had to accept the truth. "I’m here today because of the love of my family and friends," Nhung said emotionally.
The biggest challenge of Cam Nhung’s childhood was learning to accept her disability and facing the judgmental looks of others. These were dark days filled with sadness, frustration, and helplessness. However, Nhung remained determined to keep an optimistic spirit and had a strong desire to go to school as a means of liberation and development. Although her family strongly opposed her idea, fearing that studying would be too difficult and fruitless for a disabled person, Nhung persistedin pursuing her dreams. She seized every opportunity to learn, gathering knowledge from everywhere and gradually realizing that she wanted to break free from her fate and live fully. By the time she reached high school, Cam Nhung made a bold decision to change her life: she left Nghe An to study in Hanoi and follow her dreams.
In Hanoi, Nhung met Thai Thi Hoang, a companion who supported her throughout her time in the capital. Their bond, formed from love and compassion, has lasted for over a decade. To Hoang, Nhung has always been a big sister, sharing joys and sorrows, and a woman who is always strong and positive. But fate had other challenges in store. In August 2022, Nhung was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, which had spread to five lymph nodes. This once resilient woman suddenly lost all her energy and passion, unable to face the reality: "I couldn’t even cry."
Despite this, Nhung refused tosurrender to fate. She decided to pursue an environmental protection project she had been planning for a long time. Understanding the impact of environmental pollution on health, especially cancer, she began collecting wool and fabric scraps to recycle into valuable products. Alongside members of the "Crochet Home" Club for Disabled Women, she organized donations of old items and turned them into aesthetically pleasing and functional products. Their skilled hands created exquisite handmade items that not only reduce waste and protect the environment but also generate income and joy for other disabled individuals.
Nhung’s story is a vivid testament to the power of will and resilience. Despite facing harsh challenges of fate, she continues to rise above and turn her pain into motivation to contribute to life. Through her practical actions and warm-hearted love, she has transformedher life and brought hope and faith to those around her.
The journey of Nguyen Thi Cam Nhung, overcoming adversity and spreading love, will be featured in the program Station of Love with the theme "A New Journey", airing at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 7, 2024, on VTV1.
