In a cramped rented apartment in Da Nang, a tale of resilience and love unfolds. Meet Minh Anh and Minh Chau, whose family, originally from Quang Tri, struggles to make ends meet in their new urban home. Their mother works at a small local diner, and their father is a delivery driver. With a combined monthly income of around $200, they barely cover their family’s basic needs. The financial burden is especially heavy due to the cost of medicine and treatment for Minh Chau, who was born with cerebral palsy.
Despite facing challenges, Minh Anh and Minh Chau remain steadfast in their daily endeavors. Minh Anh, the younger, has taken on the responsibility of caring for her older sister, allowing their parents to work with peace of mind.
“I help my mother feed my sister, assist with her daily personal hygiene, and play with her,” she says, her voice filled with both pride and concern.
“However, the financial burden of paying for my education and my sister’s treatment remains a constant challenge for our family,” Minh Anh shares. “Fortunately, in 2023, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in COV’s Study Steps program. With the support of a scholarship at the start of the school year, I could buy textbooks and take part in the program’s tutoring sessions. Even more exciting, I had the chance to grow through skill development programs, learning things like presentation skills, how to communicate, and how to present myself in public.”
Their mother shared, “Even though we face many challenges, our family is unwavering in our support for my daughter’s passion for piano. At the end of a long day, the sound of her piano playing is the greatest comfort and encouragement to our family.”
When asked about her dreams, Minh Anh’s eyes sparkle. “I know my family is still going through tough times, but my parents and sister always encourage me to follow my passion for playing piano. Their support motivates me to study hard and aim for success so that I can support my family and provide better care for Chau.”
As we concluded our visit, we were struck by the image of Minh Anh sitting beside Minh Chau, their hands clasped together. It was a powerful symbol of Minh Anh’s perseverance and boundless love.
Her story serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can rise, driven by love and responsibility.