Hong Nhung, born in 2001, of Binh Phuoc province was born healthy, but when she was 5 years old she lost all feelings in her legs.

Nhung was brought to many hospitals for medical examinations. Doctors said she had contracted transverse myelitis, which paralyzed her from the navel down, called paraplegia, and made her unable to control urination. Her legs shrank day by day and she suffered from myasthenia. 

“I had to rely on my mother to help me urinate, once every three hours. Later, I met some friends who had the same problem and they showed me how to control my urination, so I gradually became independent,” Nhung recalled.

Despite the physical condition, she still went to school. When she was at primary and secondary school, she was taken by her mother every day. During lessons, she sat still and did not drink water even when she was thirsty, because she feared she would have to urinate.

However, despite her great efforts, she could not fall in line with friends. She was an invisible person in the class. She never wanted her friends to see her in the wheelchair.

As the high school was 15 kilometers from her home, she decided to drop out to ease the burden on her mother. And then her tough days began.

“After I decided to quit school, I always felt useless and worthless. I was eager to study, but I didn’t have the courage. I stayed in a small room day after day, and withdrew into myself,” she recalled.

After one year of living in boredom, she decided to go with a friend to learn makeup. The decision helped change her life.

With VND10 million saved by selling goods online, Nhung visited a wedding gown shop and learned makeup there. She was taken by the friend to the shop every morning, 15 kilometers from her home. In the afternoon, she was taken to cafes or for sightseeing.

Nhung realized that the world is infinite and life is bright. And she believes that everyone has value.

As her makeup skills became better, she began earning a living. She lived in a rented room located 30 kilometers from home. In 2023, she decided to open a beauty parlor of her own and admitted learners.

“Nowadays, I can do everything other people can, except walk on my feet. I can feel the love from people around me and I can get support from them, so the life has become easier for me,” Nhung said.

Sweet love

Working diligently, Nhung can earn money and give presents to relatives and friends. She also likes to travel as she is no longer the small girl who always needed her father's care and support. She has become independent and has decided her own fate.

Nhung once thought that love and marriage was something out of her reach. But she changed her mind when meeting Thanh Duong, born in 1999, from Binh Phuoc, who is now her husband.

Nhung and Duong made acquaintance via social media. Duong went one step ahead and said he wanted to be friends with Nhung. After just a few conversations, he fell in love with the pretty girl.

Duong brought breakfast to Nhung every day before going to his workplace, three kilometers from her shop. Nhung’s special condition didn’t matter in Duong’s eyes. He said he admired Nhung’s energy.

“Some young men told me that they liked me, but I did not dare have confidence in anyone. Marriage and children were something far away from me. But after meeting him, things have become different,” Nhung said.

In 2024, Nhung became a mother. She got pregnant naturally, and welcomed her baby at the 36th week.

Thanh Minh