For Vietnam’s dad, St. Jude ‘is a very special place’

As Viet spoke about the start of his son’s ongoing health journey, his wife’s gaze moved from his face to a place far off in the distance.

Quynh Anh quietly relived the days in 2016 when their 6-year-old son, Vietnam, was sick and doctors didn’t have answers.    

After a CT scan revealed a tumor in the pituitary area, Vietnam was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a rare benign brain tumor.

It is impossible to revisit those days without tears. 

But everything changed when Vietnam was referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Vietnam is now 15 and enjoying life as a high school student.

“He was just 6 years old, in first grade when he was diagnosed. It was so scary. We thought that we’d lost him,” Viet said. 

Vietnam was their baby, the youngest of five children and the only boy.  They were grateful he was going to St. Jude.

“We were so happy,” Viet said. “I saw everything St. Jude did for children that have brain tumors.” 

And that’s when he learned that St. Jude would not send them a bill.

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. 

“It was amazing when we came to St. Jude,” Viet said. “It really surprised us. It’s a very special place. Every person in the hospital is very nice. And they have a love for my son, for my family.”

Initially, Vietnam was at St. Jude for three months. His treatment included surgery and radiation. 

Vietnam doesn’t remember a lot from when he was 6.

“My family tells me stories and it’s like ‘that happened?’” he said. 

But a 2022 check at St. Jude showed the formation of a new cyst, which had grown by his 2023 scan. 

Vietnam, then 14, remembers that clearly. 

“When they first told us, it was sad,” he said.

He had surgeries in March and April and spent a few weeks in the hospital. 

“Both the surgeries hurt a lot,” he recalled.

Now, he’s back at home in Texas, a high school student. 

“He’s grown up. Now he’s tall, taller than me,” Viet said with a chuckle. “We’re so happy.”

Vietnam spends his free time playing online video games with friends. 

In school, his favorite classes are physics and aquatic science.

“I like science. I really like animals, and I think the ocean is really cool,” Vietnam said. “So, it just kind of goes together. And the teacher’s nice.” 

He and his family are grateful to the donors who support the St. Jude mission.