Extraordinary willpower

The life story of Nguyen Ba Ky (born 1990, Vinh Loc, Nghe An) is often described as a modern-day fairy tale. He endured dark days of illness, but out of love for his mother and himself, he rose above his circumstances to reap "sweet fruit."

Born into a poor family, Ky began experiencing body-wide pain at age 12 and was diagnosed with polyarthritis. Despite prolonged treatment, his condition worsened until he was almost completely paralyzed. Only three fingers on his left hand could move, and his head could only turn to one side.

"While I was hospitalized, my father suddenly passed away from a heart attack. Seeing his portrait when I returned home, I collapsed. From then on, my mother carried the burden of raising my sister and me," Ky recalled.

Due to his severe illness, Ky had to drop out of school. Unable to move his body, he lived on a small bed equipped with wheels, depending entirely on his mother for every personal need. At age 17, in a moment of utter despair, he attempted to end his life but was fortunately saved.

"That day, my mother cried and sad: 'I live for you, so you must live for me, too.' Loving her and pitying my own soul, I resolved to pick myself up," Ky shared. 

He believed that "one must truly live, not just exist." Luck struck when a donor gifted him a desktop computer, which opened a new world of hope. Ky spent days and nights learning music editing, video production, and web design. He eventually became proficient, earning his first income and improving his family's life.

A fairy-tale love

In 2011, while working as an administrator for a forum for people with disabilities, Ky met Phan Thi Nga (born 1990, Ha Tinh), now his wife. Nga, then a university student in Hanoi, was moved by the image of Ky on his wheelchair and reached out to him. 

Nga herself had a congenital disability, a withered left arm and a weak right leg, but she could move well and live a normal life. This shared experience gave her a deep sense of empathy for Ky.

“I posted my phone number on the forum, so many people contacted me, but Nga reached out far more than anyone else,” Ky recalled.

Through daily messages, they grew fond of each other. A few months later, Ky confessed his feelings, and Nga accepted. At the end of 2011, Nga took an overnight bus from Hanoi to Nghe An to visit him.

“Nga spent a whole night on the bus to see me. When she saw me lying motionless in the wheelchair, she was shocked and had not imagined my condition was that severe. But instead of feeling disappointed, she cared for me even more,” Ky said.

During her two-day stay, Nga took devoted care of Ky. Tasks that had previously been done by his mother, such as personal hygiene and feeding, Nga willingly took on without hesitation.

“It was our first meeting, yet she was already so caring. I was truly surprised. My mother was overjoyed and could not believe her son had met such a good person. Neighbors even came over just to see my girlfriend,” Ky recalled.

After that visit, their bond grew stronger. Nga regularly traveled to Nghe An to visit Ky and help him with everything. When their feelings deepened, they began to think about marriage. Ky spoke frankly: “With my condition, marrying me will bring you hardship, not comfort.”

His mother also gently told Nga: “You should think carefully. Being Ky’s wife will be very hard.” Nga replied: “Please rest assured. I will try my best.”

“Among countless people, Nga chose me. In Vietnam, there are so many women, but someone willing to endure hardship and sacrifice for the one she loves like her is truly rare,” Ky said.

Their relationship faced strong opposition from Nga’s parents, who urged her to reconsider to avoid future hardship. Despite this, Nga insisted on marrying Ky, even considering getting pregnant first to gain her family’s acceptance.

“After some time, her father and a few uncles came to my house to talk. He asked me just one question: ‘Can you have children?’

I answered: ‘I was born healthy and only fell ill at 12. In that regard, I am normal like other men.’ He said: ‘Then I will marry my daughter to you.’ To this day, I deeply respect and am grateful to him,” Ky shared.

Fourteen years into their marriage, Ky and Nga now have three children: their eldest daughter is 13, the second daughter is 11, and their youngest son is 6.

Thanh Minh