Over the past year, WE CAN, a Da Nang non-profit organisation which provides spiritual and financial assistance for cancer patients, has become a reliable address for the cancer patients in Da Nang.

Cancer patients in Da Nang attending a WE CAN-hosted programme

Energetic cancer patient

WE CAN's founder is 32-year-old Le Hoang Ngan who is residing in Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Minh Ward. She has been fighting against cancer for more than 2 years.

Ngan was diagnosed with stage 4 polycythemia vera cancer in 2019. At that time, she was a teacher at the Phan Chau Trinh Senior High School.

After a cancer diagnosis, the young teacher had to put her favourite teaching job aside for receiving medical treatment.

Ngan recalled “I and my family found it very hard to accept the truth about my illness. My family members were worried about my disease and felt hopeless sometimes”.

But as a miracle, after a period of treatment, Ngan's health is now temporarily in stable condition.

During her cancer treatment period at the Da Nang General Hospital, Ngan could understand how physical and mental pain affects cancer patients. Therefore, she decided to do something to help cancer patients.

As a result, WE CAN was set up in April 2020, and through the organisation Ngan has spread the optimism, and positive energy and thinking, to other cancer patients in order to help them cope with the disease.

‘Bridge’ connecting cancer patients and philanthropists

Operated on sources of funding from domestic and foreign philanthropists, WE CAN provides necessary cancer-related information to patients and their relatives.

Le Hoang Ngan (standing 2nd left) and some volunteers

In addition, the organisation has carried out many meaningful projects for cancer patients in the city. Included are the ‘Ve Uoc Mo Xanh’ (Drawing Blue Dreams) programme for cancer child patients who are receiving treatment at the city’s Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital, and the ‘Cancer and Emotions’ talk show on the difficulties and psychology facing patients during their fighting against cancer.

Most recently, a charity musical performance has been organised in Da Nang to raise funds for children of cancer patients who have passed away in order to help them continue their studying.

Also, the recent "We Shine" programme has provided makeup tips for women with cancer so as to help them feel confident and live a happier, healthier, more productive life.

For nearly one year, WE CAN has attracted the participation of about 500 cancer patients in Da Nang.

Among them is 63-year-old Ho Bich Tram, a resident of Thanh Khe District’s Vinh Trung Ward, who is struggling for breast cancer for many years. The woman has been active in participating in WE CAN-organised activities over the past time.

Tram said that Ngan was not only a friend but also a child and grandchild in the family. She highly praised the young girl for her arduous efforts and great dedication for WE CAN.

According to Ms Tram, cancer patients are always in need of financial and spiritual support during their cancer treatment.

More connections needed

Ngan plans to carry out the ‘We need to know’ book library project in Da Nang in the coming time. The intention is to share healthcare knowledge and spread a positive lifestyle with cancer patients and their relatives.

In the near future, WE CAN will expand its operation into Ho Chi Minh City in a bid to help cancer patients feel more optimistic and have positive outlook to cope with the disease.

“Personally, I hope in the future I can connect with more philanthropists and implement many meaningful programmes to provide more active support for cancer patients nationwide” said Ngan.

By XUAN SON - Translated by M.D