Miracle Baby

Happy Holidays!

2012-01-04T22:29:00.000-08:00

We hope that you all had a merry Christmas and wish you all the best in 2012!

A good outcome

2011-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

Thien Nhan is getting "back on his foot" following his latest round of surgeryin Hanoi. The 5-year-old is healing well and is in good spirits.

All of the 31 other boys who underwent genital surgery at the Hanoi Paediatrics Hospital have also returned home to their families. The all-volunteer surgical team, which included Italian, American and Vietnamese specialists, were pleased with the outcomes of all 32 operations.

Fundraising is now underway to raise money for another 60+ Vietnamese boys to receive surgery to repair or rebuild damaged or malformed genitals.

Thien Nhan Recovering

2011-11-07T17:54:00.001-08:00

Thien Nhan's latest surgery at the Hanoi National Pediatric Hospital went well, although he remains in considerable pain and is having trouble sleeping. "He doesn't complain but I hear him crying quietly at night," says his mum, Mai Anh. "The first days are the worst."

Two days ago Thien Nhan, now 5, underwent his third surgery to repair his genitals, which were badly damaged when he was abandoned at birth in the jungle near Danang and mauled by wild animals. His first two surgeries were performed in the US and in Italy.

It is expected that Thien Nhan will require two more surgeries, plus lifelong hormone replacement therapy to help him to mature normally. He is a bright, active and very determined little boy, who loves video games, cake and playing with his brothers.

Thien Nhan's big dream is to get a high-tech, "robot" prosthetic limb that will allow him to walk and run. Due to his very short leg-stump, previous prosthetics have proven unusable. He moves around by hopping on his left leg, which is hard as steel.

Thien Nhan Ready for Surgery

2011-11-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan is in hospital in Hanoi, ready for surgery today. Dr. DeCastro, the Italian surgeon who performed Thien Nhan's genital reconstruction last year, will perform a procedure to enlarge the skin around the boy's groin, so that prosthetic testicles can be put in place during a follow-up surgery next year. Today's procedure is expected to take around four hours.

"Thien Nhan is worried about this surgery," admitted his mom, Mai Anh, yesterday. "He remembers how much the last surgery hurt and is tired. Nobody likes being in hospital. We all feel worried and tired." Thien Nhan turned five last July. He won fans around the world after he miraculously survived being dumped in the jungle in Central Vietnam at birth and horrifically mauled by wild animals.

This November, Dr. DeCastro and a team of Italian and Vietnamese specialists will perform surgeries on 32 little boys with genital deformities in Hanoi. Because everyone involved in this amazing endeavour is volunteering their time, these procedures will cost an average of just US$1,500 per child. These life-changing surgeries were organized by American philanthropist Greig Craft, a longtime resident in Vietnam.

WHERE TO DONATE

2011-10-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

At the end of October, three Italian specialists in genital reconstruction will travel to Vietnam to perform genital surgery on 32 little boys. Thanks to these surgeons, who are waiving their fees, and other volunteers, these difficult procedures will cost just $1,500 per child.

While this is an extraordinarily great deal, it still adds up to US$50,000 for the first set of 32 little boys. Another 63 boys are on a waiting list for future surgeries. We are desperate for donations to ensure that as many kids as possible can undergo this life-changing surgery. If you are able to support this worthy cause, funds can be sent to these bank accounts:

Account name: Tran Mai Anh & Greig Craft for Thien Nhan surgery

Account number: 5690849

ANZ Bank - 14 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

Bank name: Citibank N.A, HCMC Branch

Address: 115 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Dist 1, HCMC

A/c name: Asia Injury Prevention Foundation

A/c #: 0-300411-002 (USD)

0-300411-029 (VND)

Please write "DONATION FOR DR.DECASTRO GENITAL SURGERY" in the subject line.

Thank you!

Medical Mission: 95 Kids in Need

2011-10-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

Since Thien Nhan's first round of phalloplasty surgery, we've been inundated by requests for help from dozens of other families in Vietnam whose sons are suffering from malformations or traumatic loss of their genitals. In light of all that we have learned and experienced in the past five years, I feel a strong moral obligation to "give back" to others.

Thien Nhan has experienced complications and will require two more genital surgeries. In light of the prohibitive costs, we invited the Italian specialist, Dr. DeCastro, to come to Vietnam - and he generously agreed. In three weeks' time Dr. DeCastro will perform surgeries in Hanoi on 32 young patients - including Thien Nhan, at a cost of $1,500 per sugery. Fantastic!

This was a difficult decision for us, because it involves limiting the funds that could be given to Thien Nhan, who still has many unmet needs, including a working prosthetic limb, physio and educational costs. We hope that Thien Nhan's champions will continue to support him. That said, we also hope to find more donors to help other kids facing similar hardships. There are 95 children in Vietnam awaiting this surgery. Within the next nine months they could ALL receive this life-changing surgery - if we can find funding.

If you can help, please email me at gcraft001@gmail.com

Sincerely yours,

Greig Craft

Progress report

2011-04-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan continues to heal from his operation last February, at which time he underwent major reconstructive surgery on his genitals. His dressings must still be changed three times a day, and he is not back at school yet.

"He is stressed," says the boy's mother, Mai Anh. "He just wants to go back to school and get back to his normal life. A few days ago I heard him crying under the blankets late at night. He said that nothing was wrong. But later he told his big brother that he is scared that something will go wrong with the surgery."

Thien Nhan will turn five in July. All being well, he can go back to school after the summer holidays.

Progress Report

2011-03-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

While Thien Nhan is doing well, he's not healing from his genital reconstruction quite as quickly as the doctors in Italy had hoped. "The dressings have to be changed three times a day," reports his mom, Mai Anh. "I take him to the hospital here a few times a week for check-ups, and we also send photos to the Italian doctors regularly to be sure that everything is OK."

Hanoi's humid weather may be to blame for the slow healing process. Or the delay could be caused by wear and tear, since Thien Nhan gets around by jumping on one leg and this puts additional strain on his groin.

"In general he's doing fine," says Mai Anh. "We are very happy that the surgery is behind us."

Thien Nhan Video

2011-02-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

Click on the title to see a video of Thien Nhan, taken nine hours after he got out of surgery. He continues to heal well and is looking forward to returning to Hanoi to play with his cousins and his 5-year-old brother, Little Minh.

Good boy

2011-02-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Thien Nhan continues to recover well. "He is being such a good and brave little boy," says his mum, Mai Anh. "But of course he misses home and wants to see his brother, Little Minh, and to be able to get up and play normally."

Today, Thien Nhan is meeting prosthetic experts from a nearby prosthetic center in Bologne. "I hope that they'll be able to find a good solution for him," says Mai Anh. Because the stump of Thien Nhan's right leg is very short, to date, it has proven impossible to attach a prosthetic limb that has enough stability to allow him to walk comfortably.

"After his genitals heal, my next big goal is to help find a way for him to walk," says Mai Anh.

Family Support

2011-02-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

"Thien Nhan is able to sit up and is eating well," reports his mum, Mai Anh. Indeed, the 4-year-old is recovering so well that his doctors may allow him to check out early and fly home to Vietnam. "We hope to go home this coming weekend," says Mai Anh. This is good news for Thien Nhan's brother Little Minh, 5, who is back in Hanoi, where he misses his brothers and his mum.

An early return to Asia would also be good news for Thien Nhan's godparents, Greig Craft and Na Huong, who organized this child's life-changing medical mission and accompanied him to Italy. Over the years, Greig and Na Huong have repeatedly taken time off from their demanding jobs in Hanoi to organize and accompany Thien Nhan on trips to see specialists in the USA, Germany, Thailand, and now Italy. All of these journeys have been made at their own expense, and caused considerable disruptions to their busy schedules.

While Thien Nhan had a rough start in life, he is lucky to have found such fantastic godparents!

[Photo shows Greig Craft and Big Minh comforting Thien Nhan.]

Recovering

2011-02-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

Thien Nhan spent two days in Intensive Care, but is now recovering well. He is in pain, but his discomfort is being managed with medication. A risk of complications remain, especially pulmonary issues, as fluid can easily accumulate in the lungs of youngsters of Thien Nhan's age post-surgery.

As advised before the surgery, an additional urological surgery will be required in 6 to 9 months. But the goal of this surgery - to rebuild the boy's genitals - seems to be an outstanding success.

"Without going into graphic detail, suffice it to say that he looks 100% normal," says Greig Craft, the American philanthropist who, over the past 4 years, has been instrumental in organizing Thien Nhan's medical care. "Because the revolutionary technique of Dr. De Castro involves creating a penis from the pubic area, where flaps are cut from the side and formed to create a natural-looking, age-appropriate and functioning penis, the end result is stunning. Because this is from his body it will grow with him through puberty, as would his original penis."

The child's scrotum was also rebuilt, and a prosthetic testicle inserted. When he gets bigger, another testicle will be added.

[Photo shows the surgeon who led Thien Nhan's reconstructive surgery, Dr. De Castro, changing the boy's bandages.]

Then and Now

2011-02-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

Four years ago, shortly after birth, Thien Nhan was abandoned on the edge of a forest in Central Vietnam. He lay in the open for three days and was badly mauled by wild animals. Found by passerby, the horrifically injured baby was transported 2.5 hours by motorbike to the nearest hospital, where doctors performed life-saving surgery. Unfortunately, the child's right leg was lost and his genitals were badly damaged.

Last week, Thien Nhan, now 4, underwent another life-changing surgery in Bologne, Italy. Surgeons worked for more than 8 hours to rebuild the boy's penis and insert prosthetic testes. "The surgeons say everything went well and he is recovering," reports Thien Nhan's relieved mum, Mai Anh. Full recovery is expected to take three months.

[Top left photo: Thien Nhan recovering from surgery in Bologne, Italy. Top right photo: Thien Nhan in Intensive Care as a newborn in Central Vietnam.]

Best Big Brother

2011-02-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

While Thien Nhan's recovery seems to be progressing smoothly, he remains in considerable pain and is on strong medication. Whenever the 4-year-old wakes up, he immediately looks for his beloved brother, Big Minh.

Here, Big Minh is helping Thien Nhan to get a drink of water.

Good news

2011-01-29T17:25:00.000-08:00

After about eight hours in surgery, Thien Nhan, 4, is recovering well. The surgeons are confident that the procedure to insert prosthetic testicles, extract the child's penis from beneath a covering of skin, and extend it was a success.

"His penis will be normal size for his age and look normal in about three months," said Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh. "It should be able to grow with him and have sensation."

Obviously, it had been a long day for Mai Anh, who was very relieved that the surgery was a success. Speaking at around midnight last night (Vietnam time), she said: "Thien Nhan is still groggy. When he woke up from the surgery his eyes were full of tears. He saw me there and he said: 'I didn't cry, Mummy. It doesn't hurt so don't worry. 'Since then, he's woken up a few more times and told me that he didn't cry."

Thien Nhan must remain in hospital in Bologne Italy for another two to three weeks, to recover from this major procedure.

Off to the OR

2011-01-28T22:32:00.000-08:00

Thien Nhan will be wheeled into the operating room in 30 minutes' time. "I couldn't sleep last night," admits Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh. "But Thien Nhan is okay.

Last night, before going to bed, Thien Nhan met the doctors. "He asked them if they would cut his body from the neck down and whether or not there would be a lot of blood," reports Mai Anh. "When they told him that the incision would be small, he felt much better. He woke up at 5.45am and the first thing that he did this morning was to reconfirm that the incision would be small."

The surgery to insert prosthetic testicles and reconstruct Thien Nhan's penis is expected to take around eight hours.

[Photo shows Thien Nhan, 4, and his brother, Big Minh, in the hospital waiting room.]

Waiting...

2011-01-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Thien Nhan underwent four hours of medical tests and was declared healthy enough to undergo surgery tomorrow. The operation will start at 2pm Vietnam-time on Saturday January 29th. The surgery is expected to take around eight hours.

"Today we will rest around the hotel," says Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh, who admits that waiting is tough.

"Thien Nhan knows that the operation will hurt and be bloody," says Mai Anh. "But he told his brother Big Minh that he isn't scared. He said that everything will be fine and he'll have a penis like his other brother Little Minh's."

Hungry

2011-01-26T22:57:00.001-08:00

When Thien Nhan, his mum and brother arrived at their hotel in Bologne in the middle of the night, there was nothing to eat. "Go to sleep now and we'll eat in the morning," said Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh.

Unfortunately, in the morning Mai Anh learned that Thien Nhan wasn't allowed to eat until after he'd had some medical tests.

"Mum, I'm so hungry," said Thien Nhan.

"I know love," said Mai Anh. "I'm so sorry but you must wait. I'm hungry too."

"So why don't you have some bread?" said Thien Nhan.

"No," said Mai Anh. "When you can eat, I'll eat too."

"You should have some bread."

"But you're not allowed to eat yet."

"Go on, Mum. Eat something now. I'll eat after I've had my check up," said Thien Nhan.

Mai Anh was so proud of her brave little boy, and so touched by his concern for her.

[Photo shows a tired and hungry Thien Nhan waiting to see specialists.]

At the Hospital

2011-01-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

After a long trip, Thien Nhan arrived safely in Bologne, Italy. "He was a good boy on the flight and ate and slept well," says his mum, Mai Anh. "We are all tired but happy to be here."

This morning, Thien Nhan will see doctors for a pre-surgery consultation. The surgeon needs to be sure that he is healthy enough to withstand such a lengthy and difficult operation.

Bon Voyage

2011-01-26T00:06:00.000-08:00

Along with trip organizers and longtime supporters Na Huong and Greig Craft, Thien Nhan, his mom Mai Anh and his 12-year-old brother Big Minh boarded a flight to Paris last night at midnight. Their final destination is Bologne, Italy, where Thien Nhan, 4, is to undergo genital surgery on January 29th.

As the group sat waiting at Hanoi's Noi Bai airport, Mai Anh admitted to being nervous about Thien Nhan's upcoming surgery. "I'm sure that Thien Nhan will sleep on the plane," she said. "But I doubt that I will."

[Photo: Thien Nhan (right) and his brother Little Minh check out some new toys that Thien Nhan will bring on his trip to Italy.]

Getting ready

2011-01-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

Because Thien Nhan is leaving for Italy tomorrow (Tuesday) night - and nobody wants him to catch a cold at school - he is staying home today. His mum, Mai Anh, is busy collecting warm clothes and packing for their trip.

Mai Anh, Thien Nhan, and Thien Nhan's eldest brother Big Minh will spend Vietnam's biggest festival, the Tet Lunar New Year, in Italy. Following his genital surgery, Thien Nhan must spend two to three weeks in hospital.

To prepare for the Lunar New Year, everybody in Vietnam gets a haircut, buys new clothes and makes themselves look as good as possible. Here's a photo of Thien Nhan's maternal grandpa or Ong Ngoai helping Thien Nhan to look extra handsome.

Italy: one week to go...

2011-01-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

The countdown is on! In just one week, Thien Nhan will fly to Bologna, Italy, to undergo the most important surgery of his young life.

Dr. Roberto DeCastro, one of the world's leading experts in genital reconstruction, will rebuild an age-appropriate sized penis and scrotum and insert prosthetic testicles. Because some nerves in Thien Nhan's groin are undamaged, the penis should have sensation, and should continue to grow as he matures.

This complex surgery will take seven to nine hours. Recovery time is estimated at 14 to 20 days. All being well, this is the most difficult surgery that Thien Nhan, who's now four years old, will have to endure.

After a sizeable discount the surgery will cost US$45,000. Travel and three weeks' accomodation in Italy will add around another US$20,000.

Luckily, Thien Nhan's champion, Singaporean cartoonist CC Lee http://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/, has come through yet again. From May to December 2010, CC Lee raised an astounding US$13,755 towards Thien Nhan's medical care. As usual, he topped up the donations with his own money and handed over US$14,000.

In all, CC Lee, his readers and colleagues have donated US$77, 600 to help Thien Nhan. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of CC Lee and his fellow Singaporeans!

Thank you, Singapore!

[Photo shows Thien Nhan and his schoolmates doing their morning exercises].

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

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!

2010-10-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Last week, Thien Nhan and his brother Minh enjoyed a fun party for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Along with kids from their neighborhood, the brothers, aged 4 and 5, watched dragon dancers, sang and participated in a lantern procession. They also ate moon cakes - traditional cakes filled with bean paste, eggs and bacon. In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival is devoted to children.

Back To School

2010-09-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, Thien Nhan went back to school following a two-month summer vacation. "In previous years he was very excited to go to school," says the 4-year old's mom, Mai Anh. "But this year he felt very sad. All of the other kids were jumping around and dancing and Thien Nhan just watched them. He is getting older and becoming more aware of his handicaps. It was a hard day for him."

Thien Nhan's Mum Is Honored as an Outstanding Citizen

2010-08-24T19:23:00.001-07:00

This October, the city of Hanoi will celebrate its 1,000th anniversary. To mark this event, 10 Hanoians have been selected as "Outstanding Hanoi Citizens" -- and one of them is Thien Nhan's devoted mum, Tran Mai Anh.

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".]

Little Minh is in Hospital

2010-08-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

As if Thien Nhan's family hasn't been through enough this past fortnight...

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]

Get well soon, Mummy!

2010-08-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan's trip to Singapore had to be cancelled because - just days before the planned departure - the tot's mum, Mai Anh, suffered a major brain aneurysm.

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!

Happy Birthday Thien Nhan!

2010-07-14T23:16:00.001-07:00

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!

Summer Holidays

2010-07-02T03:42:00.000-07:00

It's school holidays in Vietnam and Thien Nhan and his brothers are all home, driving their mum crazy!

As the family prepares for Thien Nhan's trip to see medical specialists in Singapore next month, here's a photo to inspire Thien Nhan.

Surgery at NUH Singapore

2010-06-22T20:44:00.001-07:00

In late July 2010, Thien Nhan will return to Singapore to undergo reconstructive genital surgery at National University Hospital (NUH). Urologist Dr. Prabhakaran, who is also a professor at National University of Singapore, has kindly offered to waive his fees for this complicated procedure, which will involve the reconstruction of a scrotum and the insertion of prosthetic testicles. The surgery is scheduled for Friday, July 30th.

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.

Thien Nhan's Trip to Singapore

2010-04-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

[Minh and Thien Nhan take their new cars to breakfast; Sol, Thien Nhan, Minh and their robots ride in a taxi ]

Thanks again Singapore!

2010-04-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan, his mum and two brothers spent three nights in Singapore, where Thien Nhan had an appointment with Professor Prabhakaran at National University Hospital (NUH). Dr. Prabha was very optimistic about Thien Nhan's case, and advocates doing major genital surgery in Singapore this summer.

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]

Brave Little Soldier

2010-03-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

Late Wednesday night, Thien Nhan fell off a chair in his room and hit his knee on a door frame, cutting it deeply. His mum, Mai Anh, used chopsticks, a ruler and some fabric to create a splint, then took Nhan to Viet Duc Hospital's Emergency Ward.

"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!"

Chuc mung nam moi!

2010-02-24T01:18:00.000-08:00

Chuc mung nam moi! Happy Year of the Tiger!

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!

A Letter from Vietnam's President

2010-02-08T23:42:00.000-08:00

Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh, received a letter from Vietnam's President commending her for having adopted Thien Nhan, and wishing her family a joyous Lunar New Year. In an official letter, President Nguyen Minh Triet said that Mai Anh is a wonderful example of a Vietnamese mother. Since adopting Thien Nhan three years ago, Mai Anh has worked tirelessly to raise funds for her injured son's care and to find the best medical help possible.

"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."

Bad News

2010-01-19T02:42:00.000-08:00

After months of waiting for the results of complicated tests conducted on Thien Nhan's hormone levels in Houston, Texas, we have news -- and it's not good. The tests showed no sign of working testes, which means that Thien Nhan will require lifelong hormone replacement therapy and be unable to father biological children.

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!

Thien Nhan Calendars

2009-12-31T01:01:00.000-08:00

Thien Nhan 2010 Calendars are now on sale! For just VND60,000 you can see Thien Nhan's handsome face all year round!

In Hanoi, go to: 162 Phuong Liet Street, Hanoi or contact Ms Phuong Thao: 3 868 9568

In HCM City contact Ms. Hai Nam: 0169 55 88888

Bubbas for the Holidays

2009-12-14T18:07:00.000-08:00

In time for Christmas, Bubbafish soft toys -- 100% of profits go to Thien Nhan -- are now available at OUT-2 Studio, Fafilm Annex, 6 Thai Van Lung Street, D.1, HCM City, and at Breeze, on the corner of Nha Tho & Nha Chung Streets (in front of the cathedral) in Hanoi.

Bubbafish toys were sold at 3 Christmas fairs in HCMC (SSIS, The Deck & BIS) and 1 in Hanoi (Craftlink), raising more than VND25 million for Thien Nhan. Special thanks to Ms. Jessica and the three lovely Filipinna ladies who helped at Bubbafish's BIS booth on Dec. 5th.

Also thanks to SmartKids Preschool in Thao Dien, HCM City, which supported Thien Nhan by buying gifts for their smallest students from Bubbafish.

Still Waiting...

2009-12-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

We are still waiting for news of the results of Thien Nhan's medical tests, which were performed in the US way back in late September in a bid to determine whether or not he has functioning testes.

Due to patient confidendiality laws, the hospital cannot answer queries by phone, and reports that the results are "in the mail"...

We're increasingly anxious and hoping for good news in time for Christmas!

Bubbafish Loves Thien Nhan

2009-11-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

Bubbafish Toys attended the SSIS and Deck Christmas Bazaars in HCM City to sell handmade soft toys in aid of Thien Nhan. All profits from Bubbafish go to support Thien Nhan's medical care and education.

At these two events, Bubbafish raised VND15 million for Nhan! Handmade from original designs, Bubbafish's cute, cuddly toys cost just VND130,000 a piece at these fairs.

Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers: Hai, Thien, Chau Anh, Duc and Ali.

For those of you in HCM City who haven't picked up any Bubbafish toys, they'll be on sale at the British International School Bazaar on December 5th. This event runs from 9am to 2pm at British International School, 246 Nguyen Van Huong St., District 2.

Bubbafish is looking for outlets in Vietnam and abroad to sell its lovable toys. If you know of any shops that would like to carry these popular toys that support a great cause, please email Elke at elkeray@yahoo.com

Songs for Thien Nhan

2009-11-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

German-Vietnamese singer and songwriter Jazzy Da Lam organized a benefit concert in Munich, Germany in aid of Thien Nhan and poor elderly folks at a care facility in Tuy Hoa, Song Cau, Phu Yen. More than 90 people attended this event, which raised $1,000 for Thien Nhan and $500 for the elderly.

Jazzy Da Lam is the writer of a song about Thien Nhan that won first prize in a national song contest in Vietnam in 2008.

"Dankeschon" to Jazzy and the other musicians who staged this great event, and to all those who attended!

Looking for Legs...

2009-11-16T20:03:00.000-08:00

Check out these photos that we were sent! What a little champion! If any of you have information on this little boy's prosthetic limbs, or limbs suitable for small kids with short stumps, please let us know. Thien Nhan has been having a lot of trouble with his prosthetic leg, which is heavy and falls off constantly. We are desperate to find him a better-fitting alternative. Thanks!

There Were Four In The Bed...

2009-11-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

Just when Thien Nhan and his two big brothers were all finally free of the flu, their mom, Mai Anh, fainted and hit her head. She ended up in hospital where CAT scans revealed that she'd suffered swelling of the brain. Luckily, with rest, she will recover! The family deserves a "frequent customer discount card" at the local hospital, of the type handed out in coffee shops...

Ordered to rest in bed, where she's hooked up to an IV, Mai Anh has had good company. Check out this adorable picture of the three boys, sleeping like angels!

Get Well Soon!

2009-10-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Talk about a rough month! A couple of days after getting back to Hanoi, Thien Nhan caught the flu from his big brother, Little Minh, who'd been bedridden for some days already.

"Thien Nhan had a high fever for three nights," reports the kids' mom, Mai Anh. "He was very well behaved even though he was sick. He didn't make a fuss and he took all his medicine."

Unfortunately, due to his high fever, he wound up in the local hospital, where he was given fluids via an IV (photo).

Get well soon, Thien Nhan!

The family is still waiting for the results of Thien Nhan's hormone tests, done during his recent trip to Texas.

Houston Zoo

2009-10-21T07:41:00.001-07:00

The day before Thien Nhan left Texas, a group of his supporters took him to the Houston Zoo. "Thien Nhan was really excited to see so many animals," said his grandma, Kim Anh. "He had an excellent day."

Having spent three weeks in Houston undergoing medical tests, Thien Nhan, 3, is now in the middle of a 30-plus-hour flight back to Hanoi. "He will arrive tomorrow," said his mom, Mai Anh. "Both of his brothers had the flu but are feeling better now. They are looking forward to seeing him and I know that he will be very happy to be home too."

Waiting for Results

2009-10-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

In this photo Thien Nhan, 3, is comforted by his dad as he receives the last in a series of injections that he needed in order to test his hormone levels.

"The shots really hurt. He was so brave but he could not stop crying," reported the toddler's dad, Nghinh. "I felt terrible but there was nothing that anyone could do to help him. He just had to go through it."

Having been in Houston, Texas for the past three weeks, Thien Nhan will fly back to Vietnam tomorrow.

The results of the hormone testing should be available in some days. If the tests indicate that Thien Nhan's undescended testicles are producing testosterone, he will return to Houston for major surgery in early 2010.

"He is very eager to go home," said his dad. "He misses home and especially his big brothers."

Water Fun

2009-10-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

While much of Thien Nhan's stay in Houston has been spent in hospital, the tot has managed to have some fun too. Here's a picture of the little guy during an outing to a local water park.

Help in Houston

2009-10-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Kids Without Borders' volunteer Susan for helping to make Thien Nhan's stay in Houston easier and more enjoyable. Susan and her sister have helped the family with transportation, dinners, etc. Yesterday, a friend of Susan's drove Nhan to his doctor's appointment.

Here's a picture of Susan, Thien Nhan and Susan's friend, Vu. Cam on!

To learn more about the Seattle-based volunteer-run Kids Without Borders go to http://www.kidswithnoborders.org/Home.asp

Extended Family

2009-10-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

Since Thien Nhan's mom, Mai Anh, had to return to work, she flew back to Hanoi last weekend. Unfortunately, upon arrival she learned that one of her other two sons, Little Minh, 4, was running a fever. "It was a 39-hour trip and Minh's fever was 39 degrees," said Mai Anh. "So I got home and was up all night."

Thien Nhan's dad, Nghinh, then flew from Hanoi to Houston to "take over". Luckily for Thien Nhan his wonderful grandma, the acclaimed poet Kim Anh, will remain in the States for Thien Nhan's entire stay.

On Monday, Thien Nhan had his first appointment with Dr. Karaviti, who is administering a complicated test to determine whether or not the boy's testes are viable. Thien Nhan received his first HCG shot. He will receive two additional shots this Wednesday and Friday and have a blood test on Saturday. The results should be available in one week.

[Photo shows Thien Nhan, in red, drawing with friends and his grandma, Kim Anh]

A Difficult Process

2009-10-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan, 3, is now in Houston, Texas waiting to begin a 2-week-long process to test his hormone levels. "The test is very complicated and uncommon," explains the tot's mom, Mai Anh. "It involves injecting a vaccine that we must get from another state. So the vaccine is from one state, the test is performed in Texas and then the results must be read in another state."

Unfortunately, the injections are painful and must be administered daily for 2 weeks. "This is the only way to know for sure whether or not his testes are producing testosterone," says Mr. Greig Craft, the American philanthropist who arranged Thien Nhan's treatment in Texas. "If they are, he will need major surgery to retrieve them and place them in a reconstructed scrotum. This would happen early next year."

For the last 2 days, Thien Nhan has been complaining of stomach pains and rushing to the potty a lot. "He hasn't eaten anything unusual so I think it's stress," says Mai Anh. "He is homesick and nervous. This is a lot for a 3-year-old to understand. He is tired."

Homesick in Houston

2009-10-06T01:20:00.000-07:00

Having been in Houston for more than a week, Thien Nhan is homesick. "Me oi, I want to go home and play with my brothers," Nhan told his mother, Mai Anh, speaking about his brothers Big Minh, 10, and Little Minh, 4.

"All day long he begs me to phone home," says Mai Anh. "He misses home and especially his big brothers."

[Photo shows Thien Nhan (on stool) with his brothers and cousin, back in Hanoi.]

5-Year Plan

2009-10-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

After examining Thien Nhan, urologists and plastic surgeons in Texas are optimistic that the reconstruction of a functioning penis can begin in just 5 1/2 years, when Thien Nhan is 9. The reconstruction should be made easier thanks to the fact that a portion of the boy's penis (now tucked under the skin) remains intact.

"Nhan just wants to be like his big brothers and the other boys in his class," says the toddler's mom, Mai Anh. "The older he gets, the harder it will be for him emotionally. We are very happy that these doctors are able to help him."

[Photo: Thien Nhan undergoing a pelvic exam at Texas Children's Hospital while his mom comforts him.]

Anxious for Help

2009-10-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Before Thien Nhan went to bed, his mom, Mai Anh, explained that he'd be going to hospital the next day to meet doctors who would help to fix his "willy".

"The doctor's appointment wasn't until noon but Thien Nhan woke up very early and started asking if it was time to go see the doctor yet," reports Mai Anh. "I felt sad for him but proud of him too. He is so smart and brave for a three-year-old."

To see a brief video of one of Thien Nhan's exam at Texas Children's Hospital, go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqiKFQfi0OQ

Report from Houston

2009-10-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Since hearing of Thien Nhan's plight some years ago, Hanoi-based philanthropist Greig Craft has worked tirelessly to raise funds and find surgeons willing to take on this challenging case. Making time in his very busy schedule as the head of an injury prevention foundation, Mr. Craft has accompanied Thien Nhan, his mom and grandma to Houston, Texas, from where he sent this report:

A medical team at Texas Children's Hospital led by Dr. Lars J. Cisek, a pediatric urologist and Thien Nhan's coordinating physician Dr.Tue Dinh, a noted plastic surgeon, conducted a detailed exam of Thien Nhan's pelvic area. Dr. Cisek's initial assessment is that what doctors in Thailand and Vietnam believed to be testes may in fact only be internal scar tissue from the original trauma. If true, surgeons can still enable Thien Nhan to become a fully functioning male, although he would be unable to father biological children.

To determine the existence and viablity of the boy's testes, a series of injections will be given to Thien Nhan in the US over the next 14 days, followed by chemical analysis of his blood. This is a painful but essential process for Thien Nhan.

If the outcome is positive, the surgeons will conduct a Laparoscopy (inserting a tiny camera under anasthesia) to locate the testes. Internal scar tissue could make this a complicated procedure. Assuming that the testes are successfully located, major surgery would be needed to extract them. Dr. Tue would operate on the groin area, create a new scrotum from skin tissue, and relocate the testes. If the testes are not functional, hormone therapy will be the solution.

We'll know more in coming days, and will keep you posted as soon we learn more. Thanks for your ongoing support and love.

[Photo: Greig Craft carries Thien Nhan in the hospital]

Testing, Testing

2009-09-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday and today, Thien Nhan underwent various tests and exams in Houston to determine the extent of the damage to his genitals. "I think we have found the right doctors here," reports the toddler's mom, Mai Anh. "Dr. Tue Tinh is very kind and genuine. All of the doctors answer our concerns very clearly and logically."

Unfortunately, preliminary tests suggest that Thien Nhan's undescended testicles are unlikely to be viable. This would be a major blow. If the boy's testicles no longer produce testosterone, he will require hormone replacement therapy for the rest of his life, and be unable to father biological children. More tests will be performed this week. "We just have to wait and see," says Mai Anh.

[Photo, left to right: Thien Nhan's grandma, the poet Mrs. Kim Anh; surgeon Dr. Tue Tinh; Mr. Son Michael Pham of Kids Without Borders; Thien Nhan; mom, writer Mrs. Mai Anh; trip organizers Ms. Na Huong and Mr. Greig Craft.]

A Good Boy

2009-09-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

"Thien Nhan hardly slept at all on the plane," says the toddler's mom, Mai Anh, speaking about their 36-hour trip from Hanoi to Houston.

"He is exhausted and jet-lagged but has been very well-behaved. I think he understands that we are here to help him. He is worried about the hospital but is trying his best to be a good and brave boy."

To view a video about little Nhan's visit to Houston, go to http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/090927_miracle_baby_help

Welcome to Houston!

2009-09-27T02:43:00.000-07:00

Want to welcome Thien Nhan to Houston? The local community and Seattle-based non-profit group Kids Without Borders will host a welcome party for the boy on Sunday September 27th at a Galleria Hotel from 2pm to 6pm.

For more information, please contact http://ca.mc315.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info@kidswithnoborders.org. If you would like to contribute to cover expenses for Thien Nhan’s surgeries, make online donation from KWB's website and enter Miracle Baby in ‘designation’.

To view a video of little Nhan's arrival in Houston, go to:

http://www.39online.com/news/local/kiah-miracle-baby-story,0,6418131.story

Thien Nhan's In Texas!

2009-09-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan, 3, has arrived in Houston, Texas, where he is to undergo the next stage of surgery to repair his genitals.

"We are exhausted following a 36-hour trip," reports his mom, Mai Anh. "We will rest up before meeting Dr. Tue Tinh. Next week Thien Nhan will undergo tests in preparation for his surgery."

Dr. Tinh, a plastic surgeon who specializes in genital reconstruction, has volunteered to work on the toddler free of charge. Fundraising activities are ongoing to pay for associated costs (hospital fees, anaesthetist, medication, etc). This is the second of an estimated four or five surgeries that Thien Nhan will require to rebuild his genitals.

The photo shows Thien Nhan resting at a stop-over in Narita. Check out a video of the tot on his trip from Hanoi to Houston at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ip4E88IFCU

Scans & Tests

2009-09-17T02:48:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, Thien Nhan underwent US$3,000 worth of CAT scans and tests at the Viet Xo Hospital in Hanoi. These scans were then forwarded to Dr. Tue in Houston, Texas, who will review them to plan for Thien Nhan's upcoming genital surgery.

While Thien Nhan, 3, was put under full anaesthesia for the CAT scan, he was awake for some other scans and tests. "The doctor told him that he could scream as loudly as he liked but he could not move," recalls his mom, Mai Anh. "It was amazing but that was exactly what he did. He lay as still as if he had been glued to the table but cried a bit, since it hurt." She goes on to say: "I felt so sorry for him. He looked so small lying on the examination table and then even smaller when he went into the big CAT scan machine."

After studying the film, the Hanoi doctors are hopeful that one of Thien Nhan's undescended testicles might prove viable. Since Thien Nhan suffered major genital damage when he was attacked by wild animals shortly after being abandoned at birth, this would be great news. The US doctors will review the scans later this week.

Leg Up

2009-08-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

This week, Thien Nhan, now 3, went in get his prosthetic leg refitted. He is receiving free prosthetic care from Coeur de Bambou, a French non-profit group with a prosthetic lab located next to the Hanoi French Hospital.

"Since his leg stump is so short, it is very hard to get the fake leg to fit right," says Thien Nhan's mom, Mai Anh. "It falls off a lot and is not very stable. He can only use it if he is leaning on his frame walker."

Each day, Thien Nhan must spend several hours practicing with his prosthetic limb and walker. "He can move much faster without it," says Mai Anh. "But he knows that he has to practice. It is very hard for him."

Quality Control

2009-08-23T23:51:00.000-07:00

Little Minh (left) and Thien Nhan are in charge of Quality Control Testing at Bubbafish, the little toy business owned by their mom, Mai Anh, and their Aunt Elka.

Here the kids are testing a zebra and a dog -- new samples for the Christmas season. Bubbafish gives a big chunk of sales to Thien Nhan's surgical costs. If you know of any retailers or distributors that might be interested in selling these handmade plush toys in the run-up to Christmas, email Elka for product info at elkeray@yahoo.com

Beach Baby

2009-08-07T18:05:00.001-07:00

Last week, Thien Nhan and his two big brothers went to the beach in Hoi An for a summer holiday. Unfortunately for Thien Nhan (and his mom, Mai Anh), the tot came down with a fever and spent the first three days in the hotel room! Luckily he recovered in time to enjoy the last days of their holiday and had a great time playing on the beach.

Thien Nhan's swimming experiences were less successful, reports Mai Anh. "We put him in a giant life vest," she explains. "But his missing leg left him unbalanced so he rolled around and around in the water!"

To see more photos of Thien Nhan at the beach go to http://bnok.vn/nhatkychulinhchi/

Prepping for Round 2 of Surgery

2009-07-28T03:25:00.001-07:00

We are hoping that Thien Nhan, now 3, will go to the United States this fall for major genital surgery. Details are still being worked out, but Dr. Tue Dinh, a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon from Houston, Texas has agreed to oversee the procedures. Dr. Tue specializes in genital reconstruction.

Thien Nhan's surgery would likely involve extracting the remaining third of his penis, which is currently covered by skin; creating a scrotum; and moving the undescended testes into the newly-built scrotal sack. While the viability of Thien Nhan's undescended testes remains unknown, the longer that these organs remain tucked inside his body, the higher the chance of damage.

These procedures are extremely complex, and Dr. Tue has set the estimated cost for this round of surgery at US$100,000. That's a lot of money! While enough money has been raised to cover this round, repairing the terrible genital damage that Thien Nhan suffered when he was abandonned at birth and mauled by wild animals will require several additional surgeries.

Like Thien Nhan's trip to the US for urethral surgery last fall, this journey will be organized by Hanoi-based philanthropist Greig Craft and Seattle-based Son Michael Pham of Kids Without Borders.

Please keep following Thien Nhan's progress and helping this brave little boy in his fight for recovery!

Help for Manh

2009-07-28T03:10:00.000-07:00

Some months ago, we posted a note on Thien Nhan's blog about another little Vietnamese boy named Le Duc Manh who needs help, as he had suffered disfiguring burns as a result of domestic violence. Thanks to reader Ngoc Nga Dang, of Canada, for her offer to help little Manh. As Ms. Nga wrote: "I cannot stand to see another being in pain. My help may not be much, but little drops of water will amount to a river, right?"

We couldn't agree more! If you're able to help Manh or other desperately sick or injured kids in Vietnam, please contact Sam at samsey2@ncf.ca

Birthday Boy!

2009-07-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan joined his brothers, mom Mai Anh and aunt Elka for pizza to celebrate his third birthday. While Thien Nhan loved the spicy sausage pizza, his brother Big Minh, 9, preferred the veggie spaghetti -- he managed to eat almost two plates full! Thien Nhan, meanwhile, ate his dinner with a knife and fork. He is very grown up now!

After dinner, Nhan jumped around the restaurant on one foot, amazing diners and staff with his balance, agility and energy.

Singaporean cartoonist CC Lee-- http://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/ -- who has to date raised and donated around US$50,000 towards Thien Nhan's surgery and rehab -- sent in an additional US$1,700 on the tot's birthday-- $1,501 donated from his readers and colleagues and $199 from his own pocket. Thank you CC Lee and thank you Singapore

Happy Birthday Thien Nhan!

2009-07-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Thien Nhan, who turned 3 today!

To prepare for his special day, the tot got a new haircut, then celebrated with his family.

Having been abandoned at birth and badly mauled by wild animals, Thien Nhan has overcome the odds to become the high-spirited, smart and adventurous little boy that he is today. Happy Birthday Nhan!

A Happy Visit

2009-07-04T22:49:00.001-07:00

Some days ago, Thien Nhan and his family got a visit from their great friend Son Michael Pham of Seattle-based Kids Without Borders. This 100% volunteer-run charity supports a range of programs that aid needy kids in Vietnam, including the Go Vap orphanage in Saigon.

"It was great to see Son Michael," said Mai Anh. "The kids always remember him."

Along with Hanoi-based philanthropist Greig Craft, Son Michael Pham was instrumental in arranging Thien Nhan's urethral surgery in the USA last August. He even accompanied the family on part of their trip.

Plans are currently being put in place for Thien Nhan's second (and more extensive) genital surgery, expected to take place this autumn in the USA. Surgeons will attempt to reconstruct a scrotum, bring down Thien Nhan's undescended testicles, and extract his penis, which is now hidden beneath his skin.

Son Michael reported that Thien Nhan was very well. "He can move so quickly on one leg and has amazing balance," he said. "He is incredibly strong."

To view more photos from Son Michael's July 2009 mission to Vietnam go to:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39932570@N06/

[Photo: Thien Nhan (up), Nghinh, Little Minh, Big Minh, Mai Anh, Son Michael]

Summer Bug

2009-06-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

While winter is typically the "flu season", a nasty flu is going around in Vietnam. Poor Thien Nhan has been ill for three days now, with a cough and a fever. So far, his older brothers are fine, as are Mum and Dad.

"It's summer holidays, so that's an extra miserable time to be sick!" says the boys' mum, Mai Anh. Before this little setback, Thien Nhan had been enjoying a great summer, getting up to lots of mischief with his brothers. Here's a photo of the three of them getting cleaned up after a day spent playing.

[Photo, left to right: Little Minh, Thien Nhan, Big Minh]

Hot & Bothered

2009-06-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

It's summer and Thien Nhan and his brothers are home from school. Unfortunately, it's more than 40 degrees Celsius in Hanoi today -- and expected to get hotter over the weekend!

"The kids are very noisy and naughty being inside all day. It is too hot to go out," reports mom, Mai Anh.

Even when the temperature drops enough to turn off the aircon, Mai Anh has taken to keeping the front door closed. "There's a small outdoor market across the street, and Thien Nhan stands in the doorway behind our metal gate and begs the vendors to bring him fruit," she reports. "I have to close the door to stop him from begging for snacks and sweets! He looks very cute so all of the vendor women spoil him!"

Charitable Request

2009-06-08T22:50:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

I've just been informed that the family of Cuong, the little boy who died of a facial tumor, has received a donation of over US$4,000 -- from the readers of Dang Tri Newspaper and other Vietnamese and overseas sources.

This is enough to pay off their medical debts and buy a new cultivator. No further fundraising is needed to get this poor family back on track.

Thanks everyone!

Elka

In Trouble

2009-05-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

In Vietnam, the school term just ended and kids are starting summer holidays. Although Thien Nhan isn't even 3 (his birthday is July 15th) he got an end-of-year report. At his parent-teacher interview, Nhan's preschool teacher reported that the tot "can't sit still."

"The teacher recommended that he work with his hands as he is very skillful at taking things apart and putting them back together again," says Nhan's mom, Mai Anh. The teacher went on to complain that, whenever groups of important visitors (like school inspectors) stop by, Thien Nhan makes a gun out of lego and pretends to shoot them.

"She said that none of the other kids know how to make lego guns," said Mai Anh. Since firearm toys are illegal in Vietnam, Thien Nhan's design skills weren't appreciated!

[The photo shows Thien Nhan (far left) with his brothers Big Minh and Little Minh]

Preparing for Round Two of Surgery

2009-05-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

The recent discovery that Thien Nhan, who will turn 3 in July, has two undescended testicles has lent new urgency to his situation. If left inside the body for too long, his testicles may become damaged. Most infants born with this condition undergo corrective surgery within their first year.

When Thien Nhan was attacked by wild animals at birth, he suffered so much genital damage that doctors were unaware that his testicles remained inside his body. "That he still has his testicles is another miracle," says the boy's mom, Mai Anh. "We hope that this will enable him to forego hormone replacement drugs, and even to father children one day."

Spurred by this stunning discovery, Seattle-based charity Kids Without Borders and American philanthropist Greig Craft are working hard to arrange for Thien Nhan's next surgery. His first genital surgery took place at Dartmouth, NH in the USA last August.

All being well, this autumn surgeons will construct a scrotum from Thien Nhan's own skin, bring down his testicles, further dilate his urethra, and extract the one third of his penis that is now tucked up inside his skin. This is major and highly specialized urethral and plastic surgery. The expenses and logistics are considerable.

Ongoing fundraising efforts are being led by Kids Without Borders and the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation, which is founded and managed by Greig Craft. For more information, please visit http://www.kidswithnoborders.org/ or http://www.asiainjury.org/.

To date, much of the financial help received by Thien Nhan has hailed from Singapore, largely thanks to the heroic efforts of Singapore Straits Times cartoonist Lee Chee Chew, who has raised more than US$50,000 for the tot. To see Mr. Lee's artwork and donor list, please visit: http://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/

Life Lessons

2009-05-21T20:55:00.001-07:00

These days, Thien Nhan is very talkative. His mom, Mai Anh, reports that Nhan, who will turn 3 in July, "chats constantly". A very bright and inquisitive little boy, he is currently obsessed with dinosaurs (see his favorite shirt!)

Most afternoons, Thien Nhan and his brothers go to a nearby park to get some fresh air and exercise. Passerby often stop to make a fuss of little Nhan, who is something of a celebrity in Vietnam. Mai Anh worries that all of the attention will go to the tot's head. "Of course I want him to feel confident," she says. "But I also want to be sure he is not spoiled!"

Although her kids are still small, Mai Anh is determined to teach them about helping others. "I hope that Thien Nhan will grow up and do good things for others in the same way that people have joined to help him now," she says.

Help for Little Manh

2009-05-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

On April 22nd we posted a brief report about Manh, a little Vietnamese boy who had endured years of domestic violence, then been terribly burned when his drunken dad set the family home on fire, killing himself and Manh's mother.

Sam, a Canadian-based aid worker involved with aiding little Manh, just sent the following note:

Thanks to the posting about Manh on the Thien Nhan blog, I've just got Ms Kelly Song's offer to help with his education. She is a Korean woman who lives in Singapore. Isn't that fantastic? Manh has just had his operation a few weeks ago at Hue Central Hospital with help from the US New-Yok based Tran Tien Foundation of Dr Sung Tran. Manh is such a courageous boy. Chi Minh Minh of Les Amis De Hue has been walking with Manh and connected him to Tran Tien Foundation.

Thank you Ms. Song! Anyone else who wishes to know more about Manh, please visit http://trantienfoundation.org/stories-blog.htm. If you are willing to help this brave little boy, please email Sam at samsey2@ncf.ca

Stair Master

2009-05-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Thien Nhan's family moved into a new house down a small alley near Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake. Nhan's mom, Mai Anh, was worried that Nhan, who will turn 3 in July, would have trouble negotiating the steep, narrow stairs, as this house stands 3 storeys tall. "Within a day he could race to the top," she reports. "I caught him standing at the top of the stairs and daring his brother [Little Minh] to push him down! He isn't scared of anything!"

Once they were settled into their new home, Mai Anh took the three kids to the circus. Thien Nhan watched the acrobats for some minutes, then turned to his mom and said: "They're boring! I can jump, fall and roll so much better than that!"

Growing Up!

2009-05-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this adorable video - http://www.thiennhan.info/vn/VideoClip.aspx?VideoId=8Im5rF4eFGo#Video - in which Thien Nhan recites a popular Vietnamese kids' poem about a little creeper vine.

Thien Nhan, who will turn 3 in July, has memorized the entire, long poem, which tells the story of a little potted creeper that sits indoors on a windowsill. Determined to feel the sun and the breeze on its leaves, the little creeper stretches itself out the window and climbs the wall of the house, braving the wind and rain.

Thien Nhan learned this verse at preschool. "He loves to sing too," says his mom, Mai Anh. "Nhan and Little Minh [Thien Nhan's brother, 4] rarely stop chattering."

Help for Little Manh?

2009-04-22T20:23:00.000-07:00

We recently heard about another little Vietnamese boy in need of financial and surgical help. Four years ago, at the age of 5, Manh suffered burns over 40% of his body when his parents set the family home on fire in a suicide attempt. There was a history of domestic violence. Manh lost both parents and was left with severe scarring on his face, arms and legs. His hands were so badly burned that he could not hold a spoon or a pen.

With support from his community, Manh is now living with his impoverished grandparents in a small village near Hanoi. A polite, mature and intelligent boy, he is at the top of his class at school. Every day, rain or shine, he makes the difficult two-mile walk to class. Last month, a local private charity arranged for Manh to undergo hand surgery at Hue Central Hospital. The operation has enabled him to use one hand normally. Manh dreams of growing up to become a doctor in order to care for other burn victims.

For more information on little Manh, please visit http://trantienfoundation.org/stories-blog.htm. If you have leads to plastic surgeons or organizations or individuals willing to aid this brave little boy, please email Sam at samsey2@ncf.ca

Acrobatics

2009-04-22T02:54:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan's "good" leg is now incredibly strong, reports the tot's mom, Mai Anh. "He can cover a lot of distance by hopping," she says. "He is very strong and hops around the whole house. He especially loves to jump and do somersaults."

A favorite trick involves jumping off a high desk, landing on "all-threes" and rolling across the room -- a move that scares poor Mai Anh half to death. "I told him that if he didn't stop horsing around like that he'd end up hurting his other leg too," she says. "The next time he did it I said, 'Nhan, what could happen if you're too naughty?'" and he said: 'My other leg could fall off too!'"

YET AGAIN, OUR MIRACLE BABY BEATS THE ODDS

2009-04-15T01:28:00.000-07:00

Once again, Thien Nhan has proven that he deserves the title of “Miracle Baby”. While it was believed that the tot's testicles had been severed in a wild animal attack that destroyed much of his penis and severed his right leg, recent tests performed by Thai specialists at Bangkok’s Medic Complex revealed that the toddler, who is almost 3, has retained two undescended testicles.

This condition, in which the testicles are tucked up inside the body, exists in only about 3-4 percent of male babies at birth. Had Thien Nhan’s testicles descended normally, he would have lost them during the mauling.

“When we found out that he still had his testicles we could hardly believe it. We all cried a lot,” says Thien Nhan’s mom, Mai Anh. “It was like God knew ahead of time that he would be bitten by wild animals and hid them inside his body.”

Despite the good news, various doctors have advised the family to consider gender reassignment. While plastic surgeons can create a penis that looks normal, they warn that the reconstructed organ will have 90 percent less sensation than normal. “We cannot accept turning him into a girl,” says Mai Anh. “Thien Nhan’s character and way of thinking and behaving are very obviously male. If we changed him into a female and then found that in 20 years he couldn’t accept it, we would all feel terrible.”

Next month, the tot will return to Bangkok for more tests in preparation for surgery to create a scrotum and bring down his testicles. “We hope that if we can raise enough money and gain the support of pioneering doctors, Thien Nhan will one day become a fully functioning man,” says his mom. “Medical techniques keep improving with new research in tissue regeneration and organ transplants. He has defied the odds so far so why not continue to hope for the best?”

Many thanks to Greig Craft for organizing and supporting Thien Nhan's latest medical mission; to Dr. Preecha Tiewtranon and the team of experts at Bangkok Medic Complex who examined Thien Nhan; the Sofitel Bangkok Hotel for granting the family 2 free nights' stay and the use of the hotel's van; and Singaporean cartoonist and fundraiser extraordinaire CC Lee for funding travel costs via his personal donations.

Bound for Bangkok!

2009-04-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Thien Nhan and his family will travel to Bangkok, along with Hanoi-based philanthropist Greig Craft. Mr. Craft, who helped organize Nhan's surgery in the US last August, has arranged for the tot to be examined by six leading Thai specialists. "Thailand is internationally recognized as having amongst the best medical care in the region, especially for genital reconstructive surgery," says Mr. Craft. "Thanks to a dedicated group of physicians in Bangkok, Thien Nhan can now look forward to the next level of necessary medical care as he enters childhood. Six physicians have agreed to perform an initial diagnostic exam for free, and will determine a thorough course of action for young Thien Nhan.”

Led by internationally renowned surgeon Dr. Preecha Tiewtranon M.D, along with a physician specializing in Prosthetics, a Psychologist, an Endocrinologist and a Pediatrician from the Bangkok Mediplex, the six doctors will carry out a two-day intensive examination starting Thursday 9th April.

Along with the free medical services of Bangkok Medic Complex, the Sofitel Hotel of Bangkok has offered the family free lodgings during their Thailand stay. Well-known Singaporean Lee Chee Chew has led a major fundraising effort, and made personal contributions, to cover travel costs for the family.

Getting Around

2009-04-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this latest video of Thien Nhan at http://www.thiennhan.info/vn/VideoClip.aspx?VideoId=4-iTIZhDZsM#Video

While Nhan is still trying to get the hang of his new prosthetic leg, he is a very active little boy who can cover a lot of ground by crawling and hopping.

Welcome Visitors!

2009-04-01T02:45:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan is excited about seeing his good friends Son Michael and Judy Pham of Seattle-based Kids Without Borders. The pair arrived in Hanoi today on a cross-country "Humanitour" visiting local charities and orphanages, like the one in this photo.

Last August, Mr. and Mrs. Pham accompanied Thien Nhan on his trip to the US for surgery. Thien Nhan is just one of many sick, orphaned and disadvantaged kids that this wonderful couple are helping via their 100% volunteer-run organization.

Check out the new design of their website at: http://www.kidswithnoborders.org/Home.asp

Sick Days

2009-03-24T23:39:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend Thien Nhan came down with a fever and cough, which he then passed to his brother, Little Minh, aged 4. While Nhan now seems better, last night Minh's fever rose to a scary 40 degrees. "They take turns being sick," said their exhausted mum, Mai Anh. Meanwhile the kids' cousin, Sol, almost 2, has been hospitalized with pneumonia. Luckily Thien Nhan's eldest brother, Big Minh, 8, seems to have missed this round.

Changeable temperatures and high humidity make early spring a prime time for flus in Hanoi, and many kids from Nhan and Minh's preschool are home sick right now.

Singaporean Generosity

2009-03-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

On January 3rd, the Singapore Straits Times ran a follow-up story by Judith Tan about Thien Nhan and the amazing help that the tot has received from Straits Times cartoonist Lee Chee Chew, whose blog "Chew On It!", is devoted to raising funds for little Nhan.

Since the story ran, Mr. Lee - who's never even met Thien Nhan - has raised another US$31,013 from readers, fans, colleagues (and out of his own pocket). The comic artist also donates all proceeds from the sales of his first two books towards Thien Nhan's rehab. To date, Mr. Lee has raised a whopping US$51,292. Thank you Singapore!

The SST story and Mr. Lee's blog may be found at: ttp://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/2009/01/thien-nhan-on-print.html

To view the list of donors who have supported Thien Nhan via Mr. Lee, please scroll to the bottom of this blog. Our thanks to all of you!

Helping Mum Out

2009-03-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh, suffers from rheumatism and had terrible shoulder and back pain for much of last week. Her three sons were a big source of comfort, with Thien Nhan - who will turn 3 in July - making a special effort to cheer up his ailing mum. "Thien Nhan climbed into bed and hugged me," reported Mai Anh. "And Little Minh brought me snacks."

A Great Big Brother

2009-03-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan's big brother, Big Minh, 8, is in charge of updating the "Education" section on Thien Nhan's Vietnamese-language website: http://www.thiennhan.info/vn/news/hoc-tap.aspx Each day after school Minh rewrites some of Thien Nhan's preschool teachers' comments and posts them online. A recent example reads: "Thien Nhan learned the poem "Lotus Flower". He also stuck flowers onto a card to make a Women's Day gift for his mom."

*Photo, left to right: Big Minh, Thien Nhan & Little Minh

Terrible Twos?

2009-03-09T01:39:00.000-07:00

Thien Nhan, who will turn three this July, misbehaved at school last week, earning reprimands from his teachers every day last week. In the worst incident he refused to stop chattering with his "girlfriend", classmate Bao Linh, during nap time. When told to keep quiet Thien Nhan kicked the teacher (with his good leg). "His brothers, dad and I spent all weekend explaining why he must not behave like this," said mom Mai Anh. "Nhan had to go and apologize to his teacher today."

Seeing Red

2009-02-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Just weeks after coming down with a bad case of measles, poor Thien Nhan got sick again -- this time with a fever and an angry red rash. Initially doctors thought he had the chicken pox but then changed their minds. Worried that whatever it was could be highly contagious, mom Mai Anh sent Thien Nhan's brothers, Big Minh and Little Minh, to stay with her parents.

When little Nhan's rash cleared and his big brothers came home Thien Nhan cried with happiness. "He was so happy to see them again. He missed them so much," reports Mai Anh. "Now they're all at school again and life is back to normal." For now...

The picture shows Thien Nhan, age 2, (right) getting a hug from his brother Hai Minh, 4.

Late New Year

2009-02-12T01:27:00.000-08:00

Because Thien Nhan spent the Lunar New Year in hospital with measles, the kind folk at the Le Club in Hanoi are now throwing him a Late New Year's bash! All of Thien Nhan's friends are invited to join the festivities this Sunday, February 15th at 6pm to 9pm. The Le Club, which also hosted birthday and Mid-Autumn Festival parties for Thien Nhan, is located at 162 Phuong Liet Street, Hanoi. Chuc mung nam moi muon!

Generous Hearts

2009-02-09T00:46:00.001-08:00

We can hardly believe it but -- thanks to your generosity -- the Thien Nhan Fund has now received over US$100,000 in donations! People all over the world have chipped in to help this brave toddler, with special thanks due to Singapore, home of our champion fundraiser cartoonist CC Lee.

(http://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/)

Individual donations have ranged from VND50,000 (about $3) to US$5,000. Upon hearing of Thien Nhan's plight, many people who have little to spare have given him as much (or more) than they could afford. Elderly war widows, weary construction workers and struggling young parents have all opened their hearts to little Nhan.

We cannot thank all of you good people enough for working so hard to provide Thien Nhan with a decent chance in life!

A Rough Week

2009-02-01T21:38:00.000-08:00

On the last day of the Year of the Rat Thien Nhan came down with a high fever and had to be rushed to the emergency ward. He developed a rash all over his body and was too sick to eat or drink, requiring him to be hospitalized for four nights. "He looked like a Tet peach tree," joked mom Mai Anh, referring to the angry red rash that covered poor Nhan's entire face and body.

His dad, Nghinh, fell ill too, and poor Mai Anh spent her New Year's holiday rushing back and forth between her home and the hospital. Luckily Thien Nhan's fever is now down, and while he remains tired and weak he is at home again.

New Year, New Leg!

2009-01-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, visiting Australian physiotherapist Douglas Falconer accompanied Thien Nhan to a fitting for a new leg, provided thanks to the generous support of Viet Ortho Hanoi and French charity organization Coeur de Bambou. This new, higher-tech leg features a jointed knee and foot, and can be adjusted as Thien Nhan grows.

The fitting process is time-consuming and difficult, requiring a lot of fine-tuning on the part of the technicians and Thien Nhan's parents. Thanks to Ms. Au, Mr. Duc, Dr. Olivier and Douglas for their patience. At the moment, Thien Nhan finds the new leg cumbersome and scary to use - it will take time for him to adjust. We hope that 2009 will be the year that he learns to walk!

Check out more photos and a video of Thien Nhan's leg-fitting at http://bnok.vn/nhatkychulinhchi/2009/01/22/kich-kich-kich-kich-cho-nam-moi/ Mom Mai Anh and big brother Little Minh were there to cheer the tot on.

A Good Start to 2009

2009-01-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

So far, 2009 has brought good news for Thien Nhan and his extended family, with his Aunt Elka and Uncle Thien welcoming a new daughter, Eloise, on January 12th. Baby Eloise arrived by c-section in Saigon, weighing 2.9kg. She's a healthy, contented and beautiful little girl.

In other news, since a story about Thien Nhan and the help provided to him by Singaporean cartoonist Lee Chee Chew appeared in the Singapore Straits Times at the start of January, CC Lee has collected another S$9,065 (US$6,055) for the tot from his readers and fans!

Check out CC Lee's comics and amazing fundraising efforts at http://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/

Thanks again Singapore!

Super Brothers!

2009-01-05T03:22:00.000-08:00

To help Thien Nhan to celebrate the New Year in style, one of his supporters in Hanoi presented Nhan and his two brothers, Big Minh, 8, and Little Minh, 3, with matching superman outfits.

The kids had a great time modelling their new costumes and are reportedly so fond of them that they refused to take them off. "They told me that they did not want to eat too much in case they grow out of them!" reports the boys' mom, Mai Anh.

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

Three days ago, the Singapore Straits Times ran a story by journalist Judith Tan about Thien Nhan and the amazing help provided to him by Straits Times' cartoonist Lee Chee Chew. Since hearing of Thien Nhan's 's plight last year, the comic artist had raised and donated over S$32,000 via his 'Chew On It!' blog at http://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/

Following this recent Straits Times' article, CC Lee reports that another S$5,000 in donations have come in during the past three days! What a fantastic start to the New Year for little Thien Nhan!

Thanks Judith Tan, thanks CC Lee and thank you Singapore!

Dartmouth Medical Magazine

2008-12-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

Last August, Thien Nhan travelled to Dartmouth, New Hampshire in the United States, where he underwent urethral surgery. An interesting article about his case has just been published in Dartmouth's medical magazine --online at:

http://dartmed.dartmouth.edu/winter08/html/vs_good_person.php

Thanks to the writer, Matthew Wiencke, for his thoughtful and well-informed story, to Greig Craft and Son Michael Pham, the trip's tireless organizers, and to all of the doctors and nurses who helped Thien Nhan at Dartmouth University Hospital.

Ups & Downs

2008-12-22T23:27:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, one day after getting four stitches in his lip, Thien Nhan joined his preschool classmates at a Christmas carol performance held in Hanoi's historic Opera House. Due to his accident, he'd missed the dress rehearsal and was overwhelmed - and scared - by the giant stage and bright lights. "The kids were on a stage that moved up and down," explains mom Mai Anh. "Thien Nhan got really scared and cried through most of the song." Luckily, his big brother, Little Minh, 3, was at the concert too, and helped to reassure Thien Nhan. "Nhan wasn't the only kid who was crying," says Mai Anh. "After his accident and the anaesthetic he wasn't his usual happy self. He had a tough weekend." Luckily he's fine now and the family's looking forward to a happy and relaxing Christmas!

Musical Mishap

2008-12-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

Poor Thien Nhan had a musical mishap! While standing on the piano bench and pressing on the keys with his leg-stump to make "music", the tot lost his balance and fell off, landing face first. "There was blood all over his chin and shirt," reports mom Mai Anh. "Nghinh and I totally panicked. We were so scared. We all rushed to the emergency room at Viet Duc Hospital."

At the hospital, doctors recognized Thien Nhan from local media reports. Aware that the boy has already been through a lot of trauma and fearful of damaging his adorable looks, they called two plastic surgeons from the Facial-Dental Hospital. These specialists decided to put Thien Nhan under general anaesthetic and used a special type of stitches that reduce scarring. Four stitches were required to repair his lower lip. "The doctors did an amazing job. Thank goodness he is fine and looks great," says Mai Anh. [Photo shows Thien Nhan the day after his accident.]

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

Thien Nhan is busily preparing for this Sunday's Christmas concert, when he'll join his preschool classmates in singing carols at Hanoi's Opera House.

In preparation for the event, Thien Nhan's frame walker -- which he obtained in Chicago last August -- will be decorated with festive tinsel garlands and streamers. We'll post photos when available...