This week's episode of Love Station opens with an exciting running competition between the show's host and Truong Thi Thuy Ngan. Despite moving at only half the speed of the average person, Thuy Ngan always seems incredibly enthusiastic. For this young woman born in the 90s, being able to stand, walk, and now run on her disabled legs is what makes her happiest.
Her optimism and constant smile impress everyone at first sight. Although she is over 30 years old, her spastic cerebral palsy makes her appear as small as a middle school student. Ngan recalls her condition: "I didn't know much when I was in kindergarten, but in primary school, when my classmates teased me, I started to realize my differences. I felt unhappy at that time", Ngan shares.
In the memories of Mrs. Nguyet (Ngan's mother), despite her difficulty walking and constant stumbling, Ngan was always eager to learn. "When I saw her falling and struggling to walk, I thought she would only be able to finish primary school. But she tried so hard, and never complained about the pain. Many times I saw her endure the pain just to go to school, and it made me so emotional". Despite the family's hardships and her parents’ work as farmers, they took her wherever they heard there might be a cure. Their possessions gradually disappeared, but Mrs. Nguyet worked tirelessly at every available job to earn money for Ngan's treatment.
The journey to heal her daughter's legs started when Ngan was 2 years old. For Mrs. Nguyet was a challenging time but also one in which she admired her daughter the most. The painful tendon surgeries never made Ngan cry or complain. She sang to reassure her mother before going into the operating theater. "Even in such pain, she never complained. Many times, I wished I could bear the pain for her. I have to thank my daughter for her optimism and determination", Ms. Nguyet confided.
At the age of 12, after undergoing leg surgery and tendon repair, Ngan's life took a new turn. Post-surgery, from being unable to grasp objects or move, Ngan was able to walk and carry things. What made this young woman happiest was being able to walk and put on a pair of slippers. "The feeling of being able to put on a pair of slippers was wonderful; I will never forget it", Ngan recalled.
For Thuy Ngan, the care and support of her loved ones have been the greatest motivation for her to be strong, confident, and optimistic. Among them, her older sister holds a special place. For Ngan, her sister is both a friend and a guide in everything she does. Through Love Station, Ngan was able to express her deep gratitude to her sister, who has always loved and cared for her more than for herself.
It was her older sister who encouraged Ngan to study at the Faculty of Special Education in Hanoi. When she learned that her daughter wanted to become a teacher, Mrs. Nguyet was a little worried, as she only wanted her daughter to stay home under the family's care. But when she saw Ngan's passion and desire to empathize with and help children in similar situations, Mrs. Nguyet decided to encourage her daughter. Until now, Thuy Ngan has now been a teacher for nine years, working with disabled children at the Sunshine Center for Inclusive Education Support in Hai Duong. For Thuy Ngan, understanding and love are the most important aspects of pursuing her passion and excelling at her job. She always strives to help her students become more confident and develop better.
To inspire and motivate others in similar situations, especially young children to have more faith in life, Thuy Ngan recently decided to participate in a running race upon the suggestion of a friend. To prepare for this race, she actively exercised and walked to build up her stamina. The moment she crossed the finish line, completing the 5 km in 1 hour and 45 minutes, she was overwhelmed with happiness. Many people called Ngan a "warrior" and "extraordinary", but for her, this was a miracle since she had never run or walked more than 1 km before. "I was a bit tired, but the feeling of finishing was very happy. Even though it was my first time competing in a race, I believe that with training and determination, I could reach the finish line".
When asked about her dreams for the future, this young woman simply wishes for more time to reach new milestones, overcome herself, and inspire many more people in life. The gift from Love Station will help continue the relentless journey of this disabled girl.
Besides her extraordinary determination, what other hidden talents does Thuy Ngan possess that make the program's host admire her all the time? The answer will be revealed in Love Station, themed "Unyielding Steps", airing at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 8, 2024, on VTV1.
