“Hoa” by Lynn Latona

Hoa’s Story (2008)

Hoa was three years old when she contracted polio so severely that she could not walk or even stand upright. Her body appears to crumple from the waist down so she moves around by placing her hands under her feet then slowly and painfully moving each foot.

Hoa’s parents were very poor but they desperately wanted an education for her. A few family friends came to their house and taught Hoa how to read and write. However, she was too scared to venture far from home because people would stare at her and make her feel sad and uncomfortable. So, until recently, Hoa’s life has been extremely difficult. Mobility has been a huge challenge – as has just about everything that goes with being poor and disabled in Vietnam.

However Lifestart’s ability to provide her with a wheelchair – her first at age 36 – has made a real difference to Hoa’s life. Hoa had been used to sitting upright and unsupported. When she received the wheelchair it meant that she was able to relax in the seat as it had a reclining back. What a relief it must have been to instantly access mobility and comfort!

Three years ago Hoa decided to have a baby. This was not a whimsical, romantic idea but rather a well planned and well thought out decision. Hoa looked long and hard at her life and, with her aged parents struggling healthwise, her biggest worry was who would look after her in the future.

Although Hoa nearly lost her life giving birth to little Thinh, she describes her toddler as the light of her life and the one that gives her endless joy and happiness.

Hoa had stayed at home all of her life – she had never been lucky enough to have a job as no one would employ her. Lifestart supporters from Melbourne very generously offered to help Hoa and Thinh. What Hoa needed was not a short term fix but rather an opportunity that would provide her with a sustainable income for her and Thinh’s future. After much discussion with Hoa it was decided that she would open a small business that would operate from the front of her house. After intense planning the shop opened and has been a successful little business.

Hoa looks to the future with a whole lot more optimism now. With her home business in full swing, her participation in the women’s workshop where she is an integral part of the embroided card team, and a beautiful little daughter………..life is full!.