Brian Jeffrey
Le Tran, now 17, stands out among her classmates as she navigates sixth grade. Her journey has been a struggle against severe kidney failure and a life-changing transplant, showcasing her resilience and appreciation for a renewed life.
We met Tran’s mother, Tran Hoang Bich Cam, on a November day following a parent-teacher conference for her older daughter. Cam, who became a mother at 38, remains proud of her two children, despite challenges, including her husband’s battle with serious health issues.
In August 2018, life took a turn when Tran was diagnosed with end-stage chronic kidney failure, shortly followed by her younger brother, Trieu, facing the same fate.
For over three years, Tran relied on peritoneal dialysis, making monthly hospital visits. Eventually, her treatment shifted to hemodialysis as her health worsened, while Trieu managed with medication. By 2021, Tran’s health had declined significantly, making her dependent on medical care.
“We placed her on the transplant waiting list multiple times,” Cam explained. “Each day was a mix of hope and anxiety, as her health fluctuated with issues like anemia and high blood pressure.”
In January 2023, after turning 16, Tran began dialysis at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Just a month later, everything changed.
“On February 25, I got the life-altering call from the organ transplant unit about a suitable kidney,” Cam recalled, overwhelmed by the news while unknowingly dropping her lottery tickets.
She quickly took her exhausted daughter, who had just undergone dialysis, to the hospital. “When I learned about the transplant, it didn’t register at first. Two days post-surgery, I woke up feeling like a new person,” Tran said with a smile.
The transplant marked a new chapter for Tran. Though she only completed fifth grade prior, she returned to school as a sixth grader at 17, her bright smile reflecting her renewed health. She now serves as an inspiration for others, including Trieu.
Trieu, diagnosed earlier, managed to stave off severe issues longer through medication. However, in December 2023, he faced a sudden decline in health.
“During his exams, Trieu collapsed and was admitted for immediate dialysis,” Cam shared. “Now, our lives revolve around the hospital, making it hard to visit family.”
While Tran remains optimistic, Trieu bears a heavier burden, aware of the strain their mother’s effort to manage medical costs and family expenses brings.
Despite Trieu’s desire for family visits, Cam feels she can’t leave her children. “Our lives are intertwined with the hospital. We only go home long enough to renew paperwork,” she shared.
Even with the relief of Tran’s successful transplant, Cam carries the weight of her son’s situation. “Seeing Tran’s new lease on life gives me courage to hope for Trieu too,” she expressed.
Each day is a challenge for Cam as she strives to keep her children healthy, driven by an unwavering love that inspires her to seek another miracle.
