After nearly 11 hours in the operating room and months in intensive care, Nguyen Ngoc Bao Linh, a 7 year old girl from Tuyen Quang Province, finally opened her eyes again. It was the moment her family had been waiting for with all their hope.

But waking up did not mean that her hardships were over.

Ahead of Linh lies a long journey of treating post-surgical complications, undergoing rehabilitation, and overcoming medical expenses far beyond what her low-income family can afford.

Linh has been battling congenital heart disease for years. After her first heart surgery in 2024, her family believed she would soon recover and be able to attend school like other children. Sadly, episodes of breathlessness and cyanosis returned. Further examinations revealed that her condition had worsened, forcing her into a prolonged course of treatment with repeated hospital admissions.

There were days when Linh could only manage a few spoonfuls of porridge, and she could not even finish a small carton of milk. Her fragile health prevented her from running, playing, or enjoying the carefree childhood that children her age should have. At home, she often played alone, and whenever her parents needed to leave, even neighbors were reluctant to look after her for fear that her condition might suddenly deteriorate.

In early April 2026, Linh underwent another major heart surgery that lasted nearly 11 hours. Yet, the ordeal did not end there.

Following the operation, she fell into a prolonged coma and remained in the intensive care unit for months. At one point, her mother was allowed to see her for only five minutes each day. Doctors were unable to close her chest because of severe bleeding. Even after regaining consciousness, Linh continued to suffer from neurological complications, had to receive nutrition through a feeding tube, and now faces the risk of long-term speech impairment.

Every day, her parents take turns staying by her bedside, suctioning her airway, monitoring her breathing equipment, and caring for her around the clock. Both have had to give up work to remain at the hospital, leaving the family with almost no source of income.

Meanwhile, the medical costs continue to mount. Linh's most recent surgery alone was estimated to cost approximately VND 110.000.000, excluding medication, rehabilitation, transportation, and daily living expenses throughout her treatment. Although she has received support from charitable organizations and generous donors, the remaining costs are still far beyond what her family can bear.

Thanks to the kindness of the community, Good Neighbors International (GNI) and SEA GN's Hope Journey Project have twice provided financial assistance to Linh's family, with a total contribution of VND 28.170.000, helping ease part of the treatment costs and giving the family renewed strength to continue fighting for her recovery.

Before that, Linh's parents had already borrowed money from relatives multiple times in an effort to save their daughter. Even so, they remain unable to cover the long road of treatment that still lies ahead.

Today, Linh has regained consciousness and is able to recognize her parents and doctors, a remarkable milestone after months of fighting for her life. However, she is still unable to speak, continues to receive nutrition through a feeding tube, and remains under treatment for post-operative complications.

After months of prolonged hospitalization, doctors have advised Linh to begin gentle rehabilitation using a wheelchair to help prevent muscle atrophy and support her recovery. However, due to her extremely fragile condition, she is only able to sit in the wheelchair on very rare occasions. She still has a long road ahead before she can fully recover.

💚 Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can bring hope to Nguyen Ngoc Bao Linh and help her continue the treatment she desperately needs, giving her the chance to reclaim the childhood every child deserves.

We sincerely appreciate your kindness and support.

Donation Information

Account Number: 8129
Account Name: Southeast Asia Research Center for Education and Community Development (SEA GN)
Bank: Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB Bank)
Transfer Reference: Be Bao Linh + Phone Number/Email