
Monday, December 27, 2010
Merry Christmas!

Here's a photo of Thien Nhan (shortest, in center) celebrating Christmas with his preschool classmates.
Sorry for the long blog-silence but Elka, who runs Thien Nhan's English blog, has had vision trouble. Health-wise, this has also been a tough year for Thien Nhan's mum Mai Anh, but the whole family is looking forward to a healthy, happy and succesful 2011!
In just a few weeks Thien Nhan, 4, will be heading to Italy, where he's to undergo reconstructive surgery with one of the world's leading experts in male genital reconstruction. In preparation, Thien Nhan has been getting hormone injections for some months.
Thien Nhan and his family wish all of you a festive Christmas & New Year!
Friday, October 1, 2010

Sunday, September 12, 2010
Back To School
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thien Nhan's Mum Is Honored as an Outstanding Citizen
At just 37 years old, Mai Anh is the youngest in the group. Most of the others are senior citizens and include three historians and researchers; a sports coach; the artist who organized the Hanoi Wall project; a community health worker; a war veteran who's heavily involved in his community; a company director; and a farmer who has helped to improve living conditions in his community.
"I am very touched," said Mai Anh. "I hope that this award will help more people to understand about Thien Nhan and other needy kids, and to help them to overcome their challenges in life."
[Photo shows Tran Mai Anh and her eldest son, Big Minh. Since Thien Nhan was adopted two years ago, Big Minh has been a wonderful source of help for Thien Nhan. He deserves an award too for being an "Outstanding Big Brother".]
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Little Minh is in Hospital
The night before last, Thien Nhan's brother and best friend, Little Minh, 4, suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. He was rushed to the 108 Hospital in Hanoi, where doctors managed to revive him.
Tests reveal that Little Minh suffers from epilepsy. "He is stable now but it was very scary," reports mum Mai Anh, who was only released from hospital herself a few days ago (and is supposed to be home in bed, recuperating). "They are doing more tests to work out the cause of the seizure and how to treat him."
Thien Nhan, 4, is staying with his grandparents and his eldest brother, Big Minh, 11. "I want Brother Minh to get better soon and come home," said Thien Nhan. "I miss him a lot."
[photo shows Thien Nhan and Little Minh during better times]
Labels:
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Sunday, August 1, 2010
Get well soon, Mummy!

Mai Anh was taken to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, where she underwent coiling - an innovative surgical procedure in which a thin platinum coil is inserted into the brain to plug the aneurysm. It was a very scary time but Mai Anh survived the surgery and is expected to make a full recovery! She is an amazing woman!
When Thien Nhan visited his mum in hospital prior to her surgery, he gave her his favorite toy car. So sweet and thoughtful!
We will reschedule Thien Nhan's trip to Singapore - and his surgery, when Mai Anh is well enough to travel. Get well soon, Mai Anh!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Thien Nhan!

It's hard to believe but the little guy turns four today! Last night, mum Mai Anh took Thien Nhan to the local supermarket where he chose some candies and little toys to give to his classmates.
This morning, a great party was held for Thien Nhan and his school friends, who enjoyed cake and soft drinks. Tonight, there will be another small celebration at Thien Nhan's home.
We wish this brave little boy the best of luck during his upcoming surgery. Have a fantastic year, Thien Nhan!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Summer Holidays
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Surgery at NUH Singapore

Many thanks to Pam and Kim Odhner, who have offered Thien Nhan and his "entourage" free use of their home, during their stay! Thien Nhan will recover at their place from August 2nd to 7th.
We are still seeking leads to cheap accomodation (2 rooms) near NUH from July 28th to August 1st -- please email Elka at elkeray@yahoo.com with any tips!
This surgery is possible due to the tireless efforts and generosity of Singapore Straits Times cartoonist CC Lee - chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/- and the many Singaporeans who have contributed towards Thien Nhan's care.
Labels:
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thanks again Singapore!
Not only did Thien Nhan's check up go well, but he also finally got to meet his "Uncle Lee" -- Singapore Straits Times cartoonist CC Lee, and Mr. Lee's colleagues and fellow cartoonists. Without CC Lee's - and other Singaporeans' generous support - Thien Nhan's past and future surgeries would not be possible.
Special thanks to CC Lee, David and Lina, Adarsh and Ms. Latta, and Stella and May Lian. And thanks to everyone who has donated so generously to this special little boy!
[photo: Minh (in black) and Thien Nhan waiting for Thien Nhan's ultrasound at NUH]
Labels:
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
Brave Little Soldier

"The doctors all laughed when they saw his splint," reports Mai Anh. The cut required five stitches, which Thien Nhan endured with great bravery, although he did cry for his big brothers.
"When we got home, he stood outside of our front door and yelled: "Brothers! I love you!" reports Mai Anh. "He was like a little soldier who'd come home from the war, he was so grateful to be home and with his brothers again!"
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Chuc mung nam moi!

Thien Nhan and his family enjoyed a happy and relaxing Tet in Hanoi, with the kids spending a lot of time playing with their cousin, watching movies and enjoying family gatherings at Ong & Ba Ngoai's house (maternal grandparents).
This photo shows Little Minh, 4, pushing Thien Nhan, 3, in a stroller, as the pair toured the Museum of Ethnology during their Tet break from preschool.
The kids are now back at school and mum Mai Anh is back at work. The family is also busy planning for Thien Nhan's trip to Singapore in late April, where he will see specialists at National University Hospital. Stay posted for further details!
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Letter from Vietnam's President

"People sometimes make thoughtless comments and Thien Nhan is now old enough to understand that he is different from other kids," says Mai Anh. "I worry a lot about his future. I am very grateful to those who support and care about him."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Bad News

While we're disappointed, we remain convinced that Thien Nhan has a bright future ahead of him. He is a very courageous, smart and determined little boy.
Our next step is to find a pediatric endocrinologist, urologist, psychiatrist, and plastic surgeon with experience in genital repair, ideally based in Singapore. If any of you have leads to doctors in these specialties in Singapore, please email Elka at elkeray@yahoo.com
Thanks and all the best in 2010!
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