It’s challenging for any family in the hospital, but Gia An and her mother, Thuong, have each battled bravely through medical hardships for several months.
In November 2023, Thuong Thi Hoang was admitted to the hospital for her own medical situation. Thuong is a single mother and the primary custodian for two children, ages six and 13. She also has a 23-year-old son who resides in the family home while attending school.
In December, her six-year-old daughter, Gia An Hoang Nguyen, was unexpectedly admitted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Gia An required surgery for a below-the-elbow amputation caused by implications from an Influenza A and Group A Strep infection.
As of January 2024, Gia An was admitted to the Surgery/Trauma unit, where she remained until she was discharged as an inpatient from the Stollery Children’s Hospital and admitted as an inpatient to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.
After being hospitalized herself, Thuong was supposed to return to work the week that Gia An was hospitalized, which was not possible given the situation.
Not only has the situation been financially challenging for Thuong, it has also been stressful to balance time between being at the hospital as well as being at home. At the time of Thuong’s application in January, it was unclear when it would be possible for her to return to work.
To assist Thuong in this stressful and challenging time, Community Key has relieved some of her financial burden by assisting with her housing payment.
From Thuong’s most recent update in July 2024, Gia An has had appointments with prosthetic specialists and is now waiting for her new pink and sparkly arm.
She had lots of fun when she returned to school in April and is looking forward to the upcoming school year.
Thank you to all who donated to make this donation happen. Without your help, we would not be able to help families like the Nguyen’s.
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