Hai Dang – From a scar to an inspirational heart

Scars are not simply the mark left on the skin after a wound has healed, but for many children with congenital heart defects, they are also symbols of a new and brighter beginning. The scar that Hai Dang is having is such a case. From a little boy with an unhealthy heart, Hai Dang not only had his heart healed but also grew up to contribute values to the community.

Hai Dang after his heart surgery in 2010

In 2009, Hai Dang, a third-grade student, was diagnosed with Atrial Septal Defect and needed urgent medical intervention. However, the cost of treatment was a significant challenge for Hai Dang’s family. During that difficult time, the Heartbeat Vietnam program and funds from the first Scar of Life event in 2010 supported Hai Dang to receive his heart surgery.

After having his life-changing scar, Hai Dang made outstanding progress at school and earned a scholarship to study in the Netherlands in 2018. He achieved high results during his time studying abroad and completed his study program when Ho Chi Minh City was facing the most severe pandemic outbreak. Upon returning to Vietnam and witnessing the losses and pains caused by the pandemic, Hai Dang and his friends registered to volunteer in pandemic prevention efforts and delivered food supplies to vulnerable communities in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hai Dang dueted with Diva Ha Tran at the Scar of Life 10 event in 2022

In 2022, 12 years after his heart surgery, Hai Dang actively participated as a volunteer to support the 10th Scar of Life event. Standing on the performing stage of the event that brought the life-saving surgery to him over 10 years ago, Hai Dang confidently performed the song “Người Gieo Mầm Xanh” (The Sower) with Diva Ha Tran. Each verse of the song resonated with his heart, carrying Hai Dang’s inspirational story to hundreds of audiences:

“And I sow these green seeds toward life,
Gently nurturing and watering them toward the lofty heights
Until one day in the future, those green seeds
Will cast a comforting shade over the path.”

Hai Dang supported the VCF’s Rural Outreach Clinics program in Lam Dong province in May 2023

Hai Dang is one of the 10,000 children with congenital heart defects who received life-changing surgeries through the support of Heartbeat Vietnam. With their healthy hearts, these children can grow up and become talented individuals to inspire and contribute to the community. ???? Join hands with VinaCapital Foundation and Heartbeat Vietnam to “sow green seeds” across the S-shaped land for many more hearts to grow strong and proud like Hai Dang HERE.