Five Years On – Kazu Thongsy’s Remarkable Recovery
Five years ago, a heartwarming story of survival and connection began. Today, Kazu Thongsy, a lively five-year-old, greets Kazu (LFHC's Outreach Director) with a beaming smile as the outreach team arrives for one of their regular checkups. This reunion is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the dedication of those who helped make it possible.
Thongsy's journey started in July 2017, when she was born prematurely, weighing just 994 grams. It was initially feared she had not survived, but her father, noticing her faint breaths, rushed her to the Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC). Tragically, her mother passed away shortly after, leaving her father grief-stricken and struggling to care for his other children. He placed Thongsy in LFHC’s neonatal unit and returned home to manage his family's needs and prepare for his wife’s funeral.
At LFHC, the staff went far beyond their medical duties, offering Thongsy not just treatment but an outpouring of love and care. They embraced her as their own, creating a nurturing environment that was crucial for her survival. Their dedication extended to reconnecting Thongsy’s father with his daughter. The outreach team traveled to his remote village to encourage him to return to the hospital, fostering a strong bond between father and daughter. In gratitude, Thongsy’s father named his daughter Kazu Thongsy after Kazumi Akao, the LFHC outreach director, acknowledging her vital role in saving his daughter’s life and reuniting his family.
Today, the enduring impact of LFHC's care is evident. During a recent visit to Thongsy’s village, the outreach team saw her father teaching her how to write, a moment that symbolized the strong, lasting bond they shared. Thongsy, now a happy and healthy child, eagerly looks forward to starting school. Her story highlights not only the transformative care provided by LFHC but also the profound connections formed, showing how dedicated support can change lives and build lasting relationships.
