News » Vietnam
Shoeshine Boy waits for life-saving operation
  • | dtinews.vn | April 07, 2010 06:31 PM

>> Shoeshine boy faces death on the street
>> Hearts pour out to help shoeshine boy
>> Shoeshine boy set to undergo operation
>> Shoeshine boy back on the street
>> Shoeshine boy awaiting operation

Nguyen Van Sao, labeled "The Shoeshine Boy", has been home for months in efforts to stabilise his serious heart disease before undergoing surgery. He has finally been admitted to the Hanoi Heart Hospital yesterday morning, April 6. The boy is getting ready for his big heart operation next week, April 12.

Accompanying Sao to the hospital were Ngo Thi Bich Loc, who takes care of Sao in Hanoi, her husband, Sao's father and his aunt. They will take turns looking after Sao during his hospital stay. Doctors will make a final decision on whether or not to carry out the operation on Sao in the next couple of days.

Sao looks thinner than he did during Tet, his limbs are tinted blue, and he is showing signs of deteriorating health. Loc said that Sao moved out of her house after Tet to live with his brother.

Nguyen Van Tien, Sao's father, told DTiNews that his wife left him and their two kids back in 1997 and Sao is his second child. Life was harsh then, and Tien left to make a living somewhere else. Sao's brother also left and Sao's grandmother decided to take Sao in and look after him. "Late last year, my sister asked me to read the newspaper and I recognised Sao. I was very glad but also ashamed because I could not complete my duty as a father to Sao. I'm happy that Sao has been receiving so much care and support from the public," the father with weather-beaten skin said as he looked away quietly.

Through DTiNews, Tien wants to express his deep gratitude to everyone who has helped and supported Sao through this ordeal.

A doctor examines Sao's health before being admitted into the hospital. (Photo: H.Ngan)

 

Sao waiting for hospital admission documents to be completed. (Photo: H.Ngan)



Sao's father feels ashamed for not having been able to take care of Sao. (Photo: H.Ngan)

 

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