A family in An Giang Province is collapsing around three children, abandoned by their father and with their mother in a coma after a road accident two weeks ago.

Lien in hospital

Nguyen Thi Lien has been in a coma since a traffic accident two weeks ago. Her two daughters aged 13 and 11, are being looked after by Lien's mother, who also has to care for her sick husband. Her five year old son was taken by the missing father's family.

Lien's mother said Lien dropped out of school after third grade to work. She met the children's father and they lived together before registering as married. But he left after their third child was born to live with another woman.

"She did everything she could, from harvesting wheat to laying bricks, to raise the children, but she never had enough money," Lien's mother said.

Lien's father suffered middle ear problems last year requiring surgery, which consumed their savings and they got behind on school fees.

She went to Binh Duong Province and worked as a labourer to pay the bills until her accident. Because of her injuries, she is being treated in Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City, where medical bills have reached VND14m.

Lien's parents have borrowed as much as they can, but are unable to pay the bills.

"Her husband and his family do not help us at all, but they took away one of the children. We are old and if something happens to Lien, what will happen to the children?" Lien's mother said.

Nguyen Van Nhieu, a doctor at Cho Ray Hospital, said, "When she was admitted, she was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage cavity. She has been in a coma since her admission. We are doing our best, but her recovery is slow."

Nhieu said Lien will need long-term hospital care.

Phan Thanh Ly, the chairman of the Nhon My Commune People's Committee, said, "They are one of the most difficult case in the area. We hope the community will help them overcome this challenge."

If you can help them, please donate through:

1. Code 1778: Nguyen Van Quang (Lien's father) from Nhon Loi Hamlet, Nhon My Commune, Cho Moi District, An Giang Province.

Or Vo Thi Bong (Lien's mother) who is staying with her at Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City.