A poor widow from Quang Ngai Province is in desperate need of financial support to treat cancer after her husband died earlier this year on a fishing expedition near Hoang Sa Island.

Truong Thi Tien, from Ly Son Island, is in final stages of stomach cancer. Her husband used to follow fishing trips near Hoang Sa Island to support his family with three children and be able to pay for her treatment. He is said to have been one of the best divers on the boat, but he died in an accident during the first trip of this year's season. 

Tien (left) and her mother-in-law

Her relatives have tried to borrow money from any source they could find to support her chemotherapy treatments, which had to be done in HCM City because several hospitals in Quang Ngai and Danang provinces were unable to diagnose Tien's illness. The doctors had to remove half of her stomach tissue in an attempt to avoid metastasis.

After the death of Tien's husband, her mother-in-law moved in with her and the children. "I stay here so that both of us are less lonely. I went blind 8 years ago so I can't help out much. I hope to die in his place," she said. She now chops garlic and onions for VND20,000 (USD0.96) per day.

Tien's family beside her husband's altar

With the help of relatives, Tien was able to earn VND6 million each year. Her family finds it difficult to get through each day, as the necessities on the island are brought from the mainland and are expensive. Tien said her only wish was for her health so as to take care of her family. "If I were healthy, I'd go find a job immediately. I would take anything, even day-labour jobs," she said.

But her health continues to get worse. Doctors said that she needs one more round of chemotherapy before her health can be accurately assessed. Each session costs VND20 million, not including the travel fees and the stay in HCM City. Tien said she still had VND20 million left, but did not dare to use it because it would wipe out her savings. She wants to use this money to take care of her mother and children, especially if she dies. "What if they don't cure me and I wasn't strong enough to do anything anymore? What would my mother and children live on? This money can at least help them buy food later."

Huynh Thi Tuyet Nga, vice head of Women's Union in Quang Ngai Province said they have sought help everywhere, but their work are fruitless so far. Upon learning of the dire situation of Tien, the editor-in-chief of DTiNews, Pham Huy Hoan, decided to donate VND20 million immediately. The money was given from the fund donated by readers for fishermen on East Sea.

If you can help her, please make donation through:

2. Compassionate Hearts Charity Fund – Dan tri Newspaper (Hanoi)

3. Dantri/DTiNews' representative offices