Inspiring story of teacher whose daughter with cerebral palsy graduated from college

A mother's journey with her daughter with cerebral palsy has created an inspiring story for families struggling with the challenges of the disease.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thu Hao (47 years old, Phu Tho province) is the Head of the Association of Families of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Phu Tho province, and also a teacher at a provincial ethnic boarding school. She is the mother of two daughters, one of whom carries an inspiring story of perseverance.

Journey of effort with children

22 years ago, before Ms. Hao's family could feel the happiness of welcoming twin daughters Mai Anh (22 years old, the older sister) and Truc Anh (22 years old, the younger sister), they had to face a big challenge. When Mai Anh was 18 months old and still unable to walk, the family was very worried and took her to the National Children's Hospital for examination. "I was extremely shocked and worried when the doctor diagnosed Mai Anh with cerebral palsy," Ms. Hao said.

Family of Mrs. Dinh Thi Thu Hao.

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At that time, the doctor said that this disease could not be operated. Mrs. Hao shared: “With the mentality of praying to all directions when sick, my family tried all methods from Eastern to Western medicine, from acupuncture, acupressure, to applying traditional medicine and rehabilitation exercises... If our country had a stem cell transplant method, no matter how expensive it was, I would still choose it for my child”. With the perseverance and constant efforts of the whole family, Mai Anh started walking at the age of 5 and then entered the journey of studying. However, her right arm and leg were weak, so Mai Anh's steps were still uncertain, she often fell and she still could not write. “We still persevered in practicing with our child, studying with our child with the thought that 'it will be fine'. We always believed that, in the future, our child would still have career options suitable for her physical condition”, Mrs. Hao said. Not disappointing her parents' expectations, Mai Anh has a very good academic record, passing the History class at Hung Vuong High School for the Gifted, Phu Tho province in 2016. Truc Anh is also a student at this school. Mrs. Hao shared: "We accompanied and picked up and dropped off our child every week for 3 years of high school, a distance of 30km."

Her two daughters - Mai Anh (right) and Truc Anh (left) always make Mrs. Hao proud.

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The whole family was even happier when Mai Anh passed the entrance exam to Hanoi Law University, and Truc Anh entered Hanoi Pharmacy University. Mrs. Hao confided: “When my daughter went to university, besides the joy, I was very worried because it was the first time she had to live away from her parents and younger sister. However, when she joined the Association of Families of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Vietnam, she became more confident and my worries gradually lessened.” In addition, Mai Anh also received help from teachers at school, friends, and former students of Mrs. Hao... “Everyone loved and helped Mai Anh enthusiastically. The worries were replaced by joy, pride, and especially, I always believe in my daughter’s inner strength,” Mrs. Hao said with a smile. Currently, Mai Anh has graduated from Hanoi Law University and is studying in a lawyer training class at the Judicial Academy, while her twin sister Truc Anh is in her 5th year at Hanoi Pharmacy University. “My two daughters are the joy, happiness, and motivation of my family,” Ms. Hao proudly said about her children. The mother is not only a caregiver but also a guide and the greatest motivator. Through the ups and downs of accompanying Mai Anh, one can see the power of maternal love. Despite all the difficulties, she never gave up hope and persistently accompanied her daughter on her journey to adulthood. Mai Anh shared: “Mother and family are a chance encounter, a good arrangement of fate.”

“Give love to receive joy every day”

Ms. Thu Hao has worked for 25 years at the Phu Tho Province Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities. Her student, Hoang Van Anh, shared: “Through the media, and especially through the stories of teachers in the school and seniors, I really admire her extraordinary willpower. For more than 25 years, she has not only taught generations of ethnic minority students in Phu Tho Province, but also brought students useful lessons about lifestyle and behavior.”

Ms. Hao's former students - a couple who are now successful in their careers - returned to visit their homeroom teacher after 11 years.

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For Ms. Hao, teaching is not only a job but also a noble mission. She shared: "The sweet fruit does not come immediately, but will come after 10 years, 20 years". The greatest happiness for her is when adult students still remember and come back to visit their teachers, bringing with them memories and precious feelings. In addition to her role as a teacher, Ms. Hao has also taken on the responsibility of being the President of the Phu Tho Association of Families of Children with Cerebral Palsy since 2019. "As a mother with a child with cerebral palsy, I always have understanding, sympathy and am willing to help families in similar situations," she said.

Ms. Hao and the Vice President of the Association for the Support of the Disabled and Orphans of Phu Tho province participated in a program to help children with cerebral palsy.

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As a mother and a teacher, she still puts the attention and care for the Association's work first. In particular, families in mountainous areas, who are not proficient in using the phone or have the mentality of "wanting to hide from their children" are all challenges that Ms. Hao always patiently connects with. She said: "Luckily on this journey, I always receive sharing and help from everyone." She shared her philosophy of life "Give love to receive joy every day." This is the message she wants to convey to all students in each lesson. With enthusiasm and love, all difficulties can be overcome.

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