Andrew and his wife Van live in Saigon, Vietnam. Van has been diagnosed with advanced cancer and needs surgery right away, followed by chemotherapy and years of immunotherapy. They do not have the money for it. Their goal is to get Van to the US for treatment under public insurance, but that will take time, and treatment cannot wait. I'm Paul, a dear friend of the couple, and I'm organizing this campaign from the US. Anything you can give or share helps.
Who They Are
Andrew and Van live in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. Andrew and Van own and operate a small restaurant and food service business owner there, named Saigon Bagel. Both are doing their best to find cost effective options in neighboring countries, but their savings is nowhere close to enough.
What happened
Van was found to have a growing mass, about the size of a grapefruit. It was tested and found to be cancer. The doctors have said it is advanced. The good news is that it has not spread to other parts of the body, but it is growing, and she needs emergency surgery, followed by chemotherapy.
Why treatment in Vietnam first
In Vietnam the cancer specialists are at the public hospitals. Routine care there is good, but cancer care means long waits. The faster private hospitals do not have the same expertise. Van cannot wait, so surgery and chemotherapy will happen there as soon as possible.
The plan to come to the US
Andrew and Van hope to bring Van to the US for treatment. To move her visa forward, a US hospital has to agree to accept her as a patient. That takes time. So the plan is: surgery as soon as possible, start treatment, and then work to get to the US and onto public insurance.
What the money is for
Immunotherapy alone is expected to cost about $20,000 for every 3.5 months, and Van will likely need it for years. Our first goal of $25,000 is meant to cover the first stretch of treatment. If we go past it, the next milestones help keep treatment going and cover the move to the US.
Why I am asking
Andrew and Van are wonderful people and their love is special. I've known Andrew since college, where he was my dearest friend. When I visited him in Viet Nam, he introduced me to his lovely wife Van, and I was so happy he found a great woman to make his life complete.
What they're going through right now is very challenging for both of them. I wanted to do what I could to help their situation. I'm in communication with Andrew and Van on the details and will direct all funds to them.
How you can help
Donate, even a small amount.
Share this page with friends, family and any groups you are part of.
Send your good wishes. They will read them.
Donor disclosure
I live in the United States and am organizing this campaign for Andrew and Van. I will forward all received funds to Andrew and Van for Van's medical care and related costs. I will post updates on this page Donations are not tax-deductible.
