Xuan Thuy (born 2000, HCMC) and Khanh Trinh (born 1999, from Dong Nai) had been together for five years, more than four of which were spent battling illness side by side. Once an active, outgoing girl, Thuy became wheelchair-bound after being diagnosed with a rare condition.

Yet Trinh chose to stay, using his quiet but steadfast love to carry them both toward a happy ending.

The couple met in 2021 while working at the same restaurant. From initial indifference, they gradually grew close through everyday conversations.

Six months after officially dating, Thuy faced a major turning point. She was diagnosed with Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia syndrome, a rare condition of unknown cause, after experiencing symptoms such as double vision, eye spasms, and physical weakness.

To regain mobility, she underwent high-dose corticosteroid treatment, which caused severe swelling and a nearly 10kg weight gain due to fluid retention.

“He knew exactly what I was going through. Back then, he just said one thing: ‘No matter what happens to you, I believe I can take care of you,’” Thuy recalled.

Her condition worsened. By late 2023, she had nearly lost the ability to walk and relied on medication for even limited movement, eventually becoming dependent on a wheelchair.

The illness pushed her into emotional crisis. She developed bipolar disorder and depression, requiring treatment.

At times, Thuy felt like a burden to her family and to Trinh. Their relationship went through cycles of arguments, breakups, and reconciliation.

“I don’t remember how many times I asked to break up or how many times I asked him, ‘Have you changed your mind?’ His answer was always ‘no,’” she said.

Trinh never spoke in grand words or made elaborate promises. Instead, he showed love through actions: accompanying her to hospital visits, traveling back and forth between Dong Nai and HCMC, helping with daily routines, and staying patient through her emotional struggles.

“Back then, I thought I’d just take things as they come. My illness made me afraid to open my heart, no matter how sincere he was. But his love eventually moved me, making me truly want to lean on him,” Thuy shared.

Both families supported the relationship. Thuy’s parents were grateful their daughter had someone to care for her, while Trinh’s family was deeply touched and fully embraced the couple.

To this day, Thuy is always grateful for that acceptance.

In August 2025, Trinh proposed to Thuy romantically at Mui Dien (Phu Yen, now part of Dak Lak). Their turbulent love story finally had a beautiful ending after Thuy's happy nod.

Emotional wedding

The couple's wedding was held on March 20. That day, Thuy had beautiful memories that she will never forget in her life.

When entering the wedding hall, instead of sitting in a wheelchair, Thuy decided to walk on crutches. She wanted, in that sacred moment, to walk on her own feet to reach her partner who had loved and waited for her all those years.

The moment the bride limped into the hall moved the entire wedding party to tears.

The groom, Khanh Trinh, stepped forward and carried the bride in his arms as an affirmation: "I will be your support for the rest of your life."

"That day, relatives and friends cried and laughed with us, giving us the sweetest blessings. I had a wedding where every second, every minute that passed was unforgettably happy," Xuan Thuy said emotionally.

Currently, the couple lives and works in HCMC. Trinh works as a restaurant management assistant, while Thuy focuses on physical therapy and online sales.

Every day, Xuan Thuy and Khanh Trinh take care of each other with delicious meals, freshly laundered clothes, and sweet concern. For them now, illness is no longer an obstacle because from the moment they placed the wedding rings on each other's fingers, they have been firm in their choice.

Thanh Minh