Let's Help Hai Get Life Changing Surgery
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I'm Ellie, and I've been friends with Hai for the past six years. With his permission, confirmation of words, photographs to be used and our history of working together, I'm fundraising to help him receive life-changing surgery.
Meet Hai.
Hai is a 28-year-old burns survivor. When he was very young, he was in a baby walker and fell into a woodstove leaving him with burns to 80%- 90% of his body. He spent two years in Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where he underwent a series of treatments and intensive care to save his life.
Life has not been easy for Hai. He dropped out of school due to intense bullying and at one point, he did not leave his home for two years.
But this man is no stranger to overcoming adversity. When he was barred from entering a cake shop due to the way he and his friend looked, he vowed to open his own bakery that accepts everyone and he has done so! Today, you can visit and order online from his beautiful bakery in Ho Chi Minh City. What's more, he regularly gives back to his hometown community with fundraisers and events.
Hai has often described the most life-changing moment for him as when he was sponsored by the charity Interplast and flown to Germany in 2016 to receive surgery to separate the skin under his chin from the skin on his chest. The surgery was successful but he spent 21 days in a coma. He was so homesick but the nurses and doctors were so kind. They played music from his hometown and even learned basic Vietnamese greetings. Members of the Vietnamese community in Germany also came to see and support Hai to celebrate his birthday in Germany. He celebrated his birthday with strangers but he was touched by their support. The work of the surgeons there changed his life. For the first time, he felt positive about himself.
Hai now has the opportunity for more life-changing surgery. He is currently in Hanoi for three surgeries that will make a huge change to his life.
The first is to fix his ear canal, specifically reshaping the ear so his hearing will be greatly improved. The doctor will reconstruct the ear that was lost due to burns.
The second surgery is on the facial region, restoring facial muscles and functions.
The third surgery will work on the neck region providing him with more agility and also the ability to restore more muscle functions.
A word from Hai.
"My story is unique. The first part is filled with misery, misfortune and a hard life. The second part of my story is filled with determination, encouragement and never giving up. This is who I am. I hope you can share my story so that I can have the opportunity to improve my body."
Hai's story is incredible, and I implore you to read more about it here.
But there’s a problem
Hai needs the money to cover these surgeries. The total is just around $15,000 AUD altogether. He is currently at the Vietnam National Institute of Burns and has borrowed the $2,500 AUD for the first surgery from friends and family. The hospital is doing its best to help fund, but it will take too long and could delay the surgery for months if not years.
The remaining two surgeries (if no complications) will be $12,500AUD.
That's $15,000 AUD total we can raise to help Hai receive life-changing surgery. Any additional money raised will be donated to Hai for rehabilitation costs.
Here’s what we’re doing about it!
We're asking for a donation for life-changing surgery for Hai. Many of you have read about Hai's journey and his bakery in Ho Chi Minh City. Without a doubt, Hai's story is a powerful one.
Now you can make a difference by donating to help him remain out of debt and receive life-changing surgery.
The $15,000AUD will be solely used for surgery and any additional admin fees that come with the campaign.
You can also read about Hai here
Organizer
Eleanor Sander O'Hearn
Organizer
Manuka, ACT