Phong's Story
As millions of people worldwide rang in the start of a new year in 2003,
Nguyen Le Phong lie quietly at home alone in bed contemplating if he would
even live to experience the rest of the year. At just twenty-one years old,
Phong was diagnosed with leukemia and all visions of a future were shattered.
By the time of diagnosis, the leukemia was already in an advanced stage and
rapidly progressing. If left untreated, doctors estimate Phong would have
only three months to live.
Up until this point Phong had such a promising future ahead as a gifted
fashion design major at Saigon University, aspiring to be the next Ralph
Lauren. Like many other Vietnamese youths, he enjoyed hanging out with
friends, watching American movies, and is a soccer enthusiast. He was also a
responsible and caring young man dedicated to his family, helping out with
what little earned from part-time modeling jobs and tutoring his two younger
siblings.
Even with the support of his family, there are countless hurdles to be
crossed on the road to recovery. Phong's health continues to deteriorate as
medical bills continue to mount up. His father's modest income as a bus
driver and mother's side job as a livestock breeder does not even come close
to covering the bills. Furthermore, Phong's only chance for a cure was to
have a bone marrow transplant, something that hospitals in Vietnam are not
technologically equip to perform. The family was able to find a hospital in
California that can perform the transplant, but the cost is an astounding
$90,000. The amount is extraordinary in America, but in Vietnam where the
average annual income is merely $330 (almost 100 times less than the US
average), the amount is virtually impossible attain.
Vital Stats
Name: Nguyen Le Phong
Age: 21
From: Vietnam
Condition: dying from leukemia
What is needed: Bone marrow transplant
How you can help: donations ( <A
HREF="www.nguyenlephong.com">www.nguyenlephong.com</A> ) prayers, and referals
Through sheer determination, Phong's family was able to raise about
$70,000 by selling their house and most belongings, donations, and loans.
However, they are still $20,000 shy of the amount needed for his bone marrow
transplant. Phong have even obtained a Visa to the US for the operation-his
final and most difficult hurdle the last $20,000. His family has already done
all they can for him and exhausted all financial resources. After all Phong
has gone through, it would be a shame that this is the end of his journey
when means for a cure is so close within reach. Here is your chance to help
bring Phong one step closer to recovery. Any donation will be greatly
appreciated and every dollar counts. Time is of the essence, and it is
running out. We all have dreams and aspirations; please help Phong live long
enough to fulfill his dreams of becoming the next Ralph Lauren. You will also
fulfill a parent's dream to save a child; a brother's dream to have his role
model in his life; a sister's dream to have a wiser, older brother to look
out for her; and the dreams of everyone who have come to love Phong. Please
help save a life.
Friends of Nguyen Le Phong
Please send donation to : Nguyen Le Phong Fund
3808 Spicewood Springs Road Suite 104Austin, Texas 78759
OR
Visit <A HREF="WWW.NGUYENLEPHONG.COM">WWW.NGUYENLEPHONG.COM</A> for online
donations.
Every prayer and dollar counts. Please help anyway you can. If you can't make
a donation, please forward this address to your family and friends and ask
them to open their hearts.
Thank you so much!
Links:
<A HREF="http://www.leukemia.org/hm_lls">The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
</A>
<A HREF="http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp">The American Cancer
Society</A>
contact/Paypal email: <A
HREF="mailto:nguyenphongvn@...">nguyenphongvn@...</A>
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