Truc’s Story: Overcoming Stigma with Strength
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Born with HIV, 14-year-old Truc has spent her entire life battling both the virus and the stigma that comes with it. Thankfully, with consistent treatment, she is now healthy and no longer shows symptoms. However, the challenges she faces go beyond her medical condition.
Living in a small countryside home in Da Nang City, Truc’s family struggles with financial and social hardships. Her mother works hard to care for her but often feels weak after taking ARV medication. Her father, an assistant bricklayer, does physically demanding work with unstable income. Despite their efforts, the family remains isolated. Although her parents try to shield her from discrimination, neighbors suspect their HIV status, making life even more difficult. Even within her own family, Truc faces rejection—her grandparents, lacking knowledge about HIV, do not allow their other grandchildren to play with her. This stigma weighs heavily on Truc and her parents, reinforcing their feelings of shame and isolation. With your support, Truc can continue her education, grow with confidence, and break free from the stigma that surrounds her. You can help! - A monthly gift of USD 40 will help cover the cost Truc’s basic health and nutritional needs. - A yearly gift of USD 150 will help keep Truc in school by covering the fess of school including tuition, books, and her student uniform. NOTE: VNHIP uses PayPal to process recurring donations. Please enter the name and age of the child/children you wish to sponsor under 'Add special instructions to seller' when you review your order.
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This photo has been 'cartoonized' to protect her identity.
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