In the heart of Hanoi lies a special home filled with laughter and sunlight. Every morning, the warm rays of the sun stream through the windows and gently touch the faces of the young cancer patients inside. This place is called the “ House of Sunshine”, a free hostel founded nearly ten years ago by Ms. Vu Thi Hang, leader of the Tu Tam Volunteer Group. It was established to provide shelter for children undergoing cancer treatment at K Tan Trieu Hospital.
A Cool Gift for the “House of Sunshine”
For its October trip, The Kindness Bus delivered three brand-new air conditioners to the “House of Sunshine”, a modest gift that brought immense joy to the children and their families staying there. The moment the air conditioners were installed, the children’s faces lit up with smiles. They were excited to press the buttons, feel the cool air, and enjoy the comfort that had been missing from their daily lives for so long. For kids who face needles and bitter medicine every day, that gentle breeze felt very special indeed.
Little Linh San, one of the young patients, whispered happily: “Today, the room feels so much cooler. I’m so happy! With the air conditioner, we’ll sleep much better.”
Watching the children giggling together, Ms. Vu Thi Hang, the founder of the hostel, explained that cancer patients have fragile immune systems and that even small changes in the weather can make them sick. “This gift means so much to us. We couldn’t afford air conditioning for three rooms, but now the families and kids can finally rest more comfortably”, she said.
The Kindness Bus hopes the three air conditioners will help ease the summer heat and make treatment days a little more pleasant for the children.
A Birthday Party for 20 Little “Warriors”
During this stop, the program also organized a special birthday celebration for 20 children born in October. The kids enjoyed magic shows, blew out candles, cut cakes, received presents, and had their photos taken, moments of joy that temporarily lifted them above their illness.
Each of those “October warriors” had their own story, some had just finished a round of chemotherapy, while others were awaiting surgery. Yet, when they joined voices to sing “Happy Birthday”, all traces of fatigue and pain seemed to disappear. In that fleeting moment, they were simply children again, little ones who needed nothing more than a cake and a loving embrace to feel that life was still full of beautiful things.
Minh Chau, one of the kids staying at the hostel, shared: “I loved the birthday party from The Kindness Bus. The cake was pretty, the magic show was fun, and the food was delicious. I hope I can beat my illness and join many more parties like this”.
Tears filled the eyes of parents and volunteers from the Tu Tam group as they watched the children laugh, all too aware of the daily struggles behind each smile.
Encouragement for a Brave Young Man
Tien Thanh, a first-year student at the Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, continues his fight against cancer. Despite his frequent hospital stays, he has never given up on his dream of becoming a doctor.
Founder Vu Thi Hang recalled: “Thanh came here last year, carrying lots of books. Every time I saw him, he was studying. When I asked him about it, he said he was preparing for his university entrance exams. Seeing him now, having been admitted to his dream school, makes me feel truly proud”.
In support of his journey, The Kindness Bus awarded Thanh a scholarship to recognize his strength and perseverance. The program hopes he will overcome his illness and one day wear the white coat he dreams of.
Each stop of The Kindness Bus carries not just gifts, but also heartfelt compassion, faith, and hope to those who most.
With the accompaniment of THACO - Truong Hai Group, the October edition of The Kindness Bus will feature in the program “Kind Deeds” and shared on its official fan page. Stay tuned and join us in spreading kindness across Vietnam.
