In early September, six-year-old Nguyen Duy Khoi arrived at his primary school in Bac Ninh with his mother for the opening ceremony. A year earlier, he had spent most of his time undergoing treatment at the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi.

"I still cannot believe my son was saved and is now healthy enough to attend school," said his mother, Nguyen Thi Hoai, 30.

Nguyen Duy Khoi (2nd, L) and his family. Photo provided by the family

Khoi was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma after the cancer had spread. He underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant. His mother quit her job to care for him, leaving the family dependent on his father’s income.

The Sun of Hope program helped cover part of the transplant costs. After the procedure in March, Khoi’s health stabilized, allowing him to start the new school year.

He was among 220 cases receiving financial support in the third quarter, bringing the program’s total to 3,440 children.

Funding for pediatric patients comes from various sources. During the quarter, Chubb Life Vietnam and MoMo pledged VND300 million through a fundraising campaign linked to the MoMoCare Health Insurance+ product.

Under the scheme, each purchase made from July 15 to Oct. 17 contributes VND20,000 to Hope Foundation to help cover treatment costs for disadvantaged children.

Support extended to patients over 18

In September, Hope Foundation partnered with the Long Chau pharmacy and vaccination network to launch "Sharing the Burden for Cancer Patients," expanding its support to certain financially disadvantaged adult cancer patients.

Under the partnership, Long Chau connects pharmaceutical companies and other partners to contribute resources, while customers can convert loyalty points into donations.

Hope Foundation reviews applications and works with hospitals to verify patients' treatment status and circumstances before providing support based on the criteria for each phase.

The expansion builds on the foundation's experience with the Sun of Hope program, which supports children with cancer, rare diseases and other costly critical conditions.

Activities for children in care facilities

Beyond medical support, Hope Foundation has organized activities for children living in social protection centers.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the foundation joined Ideal Life in organizing an event at the Hoa Hong Social Protection Center in the former Cu Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City, which cares for orphans and abandoned children aged 10 months to 18 years.

The event featured games and activities, along with the presentation of household and study equipment. Children also received lanterns, cakes and Mid-Autumn gifts.

Children at the Hoa Hong Social Protection Center during the Mid-Autumn program. Photo by Ideal Life

Hope Foundation has run Sun of Hope in partnership with the Mr. Sun program since 2021. The program helps cover treatment costs for disadvantaged children with cancer and other critical illnesses, with funding from businesses, organizations and community contributions.

Readers can support the Sun of Hope program here.