June 2, 2004

Dear benefactors,

My name is Mai Nguyễn Ngọc Tấn.  I am fifteen years old and currently attending 8th grade at Đoàn Thị Điểm High School in Gò Vấp.

Despite my heart condition since birth, I was always graded as an “excellent student” from grade 1 to grade 6. During my 7th grade, my heart condition became more severe, which interfered with my general health and my schooling, causing my grades to fall to average.

In 2003, I received financial assistance from Association Compassion (AC) and the Vietnamese Orphans Support Association (VOSA) for a heart operation.  Since then, my health has improved a lot and I am getting better everyday. I am currently in 8th grade and trying to regain the status of “excellent student,” despite months of absence from school due to my heart operation.

My father’s name is Mai Văn Thành.  He works as a passenger motor-scooter driver.  My mother’s name is Nguyễn Thị Lan. She is a janitor for a beauty product company.  We are two children in the family. My sister is Mai Nguyễn Trang Thảo, currently attending 7th grade at the semi-public school Bạch Đằng.  Due to my parents low income and the inability to afford the tuition, we are facing some uncertainties regarding education, possibly having to quit school next year.

Dear benefactors, you have saved my life by your help for my heart operation and I have become a normal, healthy child. However, I can no longer afford education. Please help me through my schooling for it is my utmost wish.  I promise to become the best student in my class.

Once again, I am asking and hoping for your assistance. Thanks for your love and support. 


Mai Nguyễn Ngọc Tấn