The journey to get a university degree of a girl who spent 49 days in a vegetative state

Determined to return to school to get a university degree after nearly 2 years of treatment, Nguyen Hoang Anh Thu (26 years old) touched many people with her strong will.

In 2019, while a senior student majoring in public relations at Van Lang University (HCMC), Nguyen Hoang Anh Thu suffered a serious illness that cost her the chance to graduate from university. Thu recounted: "During a group meeting with friends at a coffee shop, I suddenly felt exhausted and vomited... so I was taken to Go Vap District Hospital, HCMC for emergency treatment."

Here, the girl was diagnosed with a ruptured blood vessel that caused her to be clinically brain dead and fall into a deep coma. According to the doctors, Thu's condition at that time was very serious and it was unlikely she would survive.

Anh Thu took a photo with her parents on her university graduation day.

NVCC

After 49 days in a vegetative state, Thu regained consciousness amid the overwhelming happiness of her family. “During the coma, my parents told me that I occasionally opened my eyes but knew nothing. I also have no memory of the time I spent in the hospital,” Thu said.

After realizing this, Thu had to relearn the basics like a child, from walking, brushing her teeth, combing her hair... After more than a year of treatment in the hospital, her parents almost gave up their jobs to take care of their daughter. "Every day, my father carried me to physical therapy, and with the weight of his daughter on his shoulders, every time I climbed the stairs, I felt sorry for him. My mother took care of my eating, taught me to swallow, and hold a spoon by myself... The worst thing was my younger brother, who lived at his paternal home then at his maternal home, and only occasionally did my parents take him to visit my older sister," Thu said.

With extraordinary determination, Anh Thu has fulfilled her unfinished dream.

NVCC

After nearly 2 years of treatment, Thu was determined to return to school to get her diploma. She used to be an active and energetic girl, but now she has difficulty walking, maintaining balance, and communicating. However, with extraordinary efforts and thanks to the help and support of teachers and friends, she was able to get her diploma.

“I am very passionate about studying public relations and love the days of running at full capacity for events. I feel lucky to be alive. Every day in the future, I will always love life, be optimistic and live a more scientific life,” Thu said.

On the day of the graduation ceremony, Thu's parents were extremely moved to see their daughter wearing her bachelor's gown. According to Thu, this was not only her own effort but also the great effort of her parents. Since the day his daughter fell ill, Mr. Nguyen Huy Thach, Thu's father, has quit his job at the agency to take care of his daughter.

After a serious illness, Anh Thu had to relearn all the basic things in life such as holding chopsticks to eat rice, writing...

KIM NGOC NGHIEN

“I still remember the day my child woke up with her body in a state of convulsions, unable to speak. Thu had to learn to walk, stand, hold a pen and write each letter like when she was a child… The day Thu returned to school, I was very happy and supportive. Today, seeing her in her formal dress, I was really proud and moved,” said Mr. Thach.

Currently, Thu is still in the process of participating in physical therapy as well as practicing speaking to communicate more fluently. The new graduate hopes to find an online job working on the computer and recover soon to run events like her peers.

Thanhnien.vn