Over recent years, many volunteer groups and organisations have been carrying out meaningful programmes at the Da Nang Cancer Hospital aimed at helping cancer patients relieve their mental and physical pain.

Cancer patients painting white T-shirts

The ‘Nhip Dap Yeu Thuong’ (Beats of Love) group is a typical example.  Its ‘Colouring Dreams’ employment project for cancer patients has recently drew a great deal of attention from generous domestic donors.

Under the project, the patients are given white T-shirts to paint, and they receive a payment from the job.  The money not only helps the patients partly reduce the financial burden on their families, but also makes them feel useful in society as they continue fighting against their diseases.

The group members washing motorcycles

Mr Bui Duc My, leader of the group, said “Initially, we spent our own money buying the patients’ T-shirts to paint, and we encouraged our relatives to support the project.  Recently, the project has become more popular with domestic donors, and charity clubs and organisations across the city.  Included are the Thien Nguyen Artists’ Association, the ‘Tay Yeu Thuong’ (Loving Hands) Club, Hue Quang Pagoda’s Rice Soup of Love Association, Phuoc Tin Painter and monk Thich Chuc Dat.”

Mr My added that his group organised a musical performance on 2 June to raise funds for local cancer patients.

In order to earn enough money to implement the project, the group’s members have to work very hard at many part-time jobs in their free time, including selling flowers and working as tutors.  In addition, every month they wash motorcycles to raise funds to help the local poor patients.