Heartbreaking story of a family where 3 out of 4 members suffer from end-stage kidney disease: a 19-year-old young man fighting for his life on a ventilator in the intensive care unit

June 4, 2026

Behind the doors of the Intensive Care and Toxicology Department is Vang My Say, a 19-year-old patient who has been fighting for his life hour by hour on mechanical ventilation due to chronic kidney disease and multiple severe complications.

Outside the ICU stands his frail father, quietly waiting for news of his son. What makes this situation even more heartbreaking is that he himself is also suffering from end-stage kidney disease.

Not only Say and his father, but Say’s older brother also has end-stage kidney disease and has been undergoing regular dialysis for many years. Three members of the same family are battling the same illness. Meanwhile, Say’s mother is the family's sole breadwinner. Their livelihood depends on unstable income and a social allowance of only about 700,000 VND per month.

For years, the family has struggled against illness and hardship. There were times when, after dialysis sessions, transportation could not reach their home, forcing them to walk nearly 2 kilometers along mountain roads to get back.

Upon learning about the family’s extremely difficult circumstances, Duc Minh General Hospital immediately provided initial support for Say’s treatment.

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Patient Update – June 9, 2026

After many days of fighting for his life, Vang My Say (19 years old) has successfully been weaned off the ventilator.

He is currently continuing dialysis treatment and remains under close medical monitoring.

Although Say has overcome the most critical stage, his treatment journey is still far from over. We hope he will continue to receive support, encouragement, and compassion from the community as he moves forward on the road to recovery.