Christmas Project 12.22.07

For our first of hopefully many care projects, I wanted to bring a little bit of Christmas joy to children infected with HIV/AIDS. The reality in Vietnam and in many developing countries is that the number of newly HIV infected persons is on the rise as a result of high-risk behaviors compounded further by fear/stigma, low awareness and poor education about HIV/AIDS. In Vietnam, intravenous drug users (i.e., through the sharing of used needles) account for most new infections but it is now more common to find cases of married men getting infected outside the home and passing it to their wives. Some of these women then become pregnant and unknowingly pass it to their babies. Antenatal care is still rare in most rural areas of Vietnam. In these instances, the women and children are shunned and forced to hide out in cities. This vicious cycle can be stopped. For example, infected mothers today can get treatment that will significantly reduce the risk of HIV tranmission to their babies.

In early December, I met Dr. Doanh (from Harvard-CDC Vietnam) who referred me to "Mai Am Mai Tam", a local halfway house for mothers and children affected by HIV. I visited the home and met Sister Kim Huong who oversees care for 36 children (ranging from 1 month to 15 years old) and 23 women. They reside in a narrow three-story house in a long winding alleyway in Phu Nhuan District (northeast of Saigon central business district). The lower floor serves as the work area where the women work as piece-meal seamstresses by day while their babies are cared for on the upper floors. Those children who are older and still healthy enough go to school (confidentially placed).

Sister Kim Huong in front of the home.
Work space for women and mothers. Stairwell up to children's living and play areas.Children take their daily afternoon naps. Sister Kim Huong is holding a little boy who wants his mommy.

To prepare for our visit, Jack and I spent the day shopping for items requested such as powdered milk (most children were too sick to take in solids), clothing and toys. That evening, our family were busy wrapping the care packages which were customized for each child.














On delivery day, we were as excited as the kids. Our family (Khanh, Lucie and myself) were joined by Thong (Khanh's adopted brother) and our dear friends the Woodrings (Jack, Linda, Kayla, David and Daniel).

Father John Phuong Dinh Toai (Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh) assembled all the children in an upstairs room and none of them knew what to expect. As the packages were distributed one by one, you could tell that they weren't used to getting gifts by their reserved and timid responses. For many, they were just happy to be acknowledged with their name called out.

I won't forget a young mother crying uncontrollably by my side while I was calling out the names. I found out her child (who was not on the list because they were newly accepted to the home) was unable to attend so she felt horribly sad/guilty for his sake. Luckily, we had brought extra treats to share.




























While we were there, a beautiful choir entertained us.

The smiles were priceless....

Afterwards, we joined the kids as they ate lunch and handed out more goodies.

Here we were in front of their Christmas nativity scene. This visit left us all very thankful for the opportunity to meet these precious children and bring smiles into their young lives. I was especially honored to be in the presence of Sister Kim Huong and Father John whose dedication and selfless work make all the difference to these women and children.

A heartfelt "thank you" goes out to our family and friends throughout Oregon, the U.S. and Vietnam for your contributions and words of support. We will be doing similar care projects in the New Year of the Rat targeting pediatric clinics and rural orphanages.

Right now, I am training for the Phuket Marathon in June with the goal of breaking the 4 hour mark.

We will continue to accept contributions and plan to do many more projects in 2008 and beyond.

"Taking steps to make a difference."