In today’s world, tragedy seems to be everywhere, constantly filling our news feeds and social media platforms. We are all too familiar with how negativity often dominates the headlines—after all, it sells. But as we continue to witness such tragedies, it’s hard not to feel disheartened, especially when we realize how little is being done to truly address them.
At Newsner, we are committed to offering a balanced perspective, bringing you both uplifting and challenging stories. In this story, you’ll find a mix of both, a reminder of life’s complexity—sometimes beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking.
This is the story of 29-year-old Ngo Quy Hai, a burn survivor who now runs a successful bakery in his hometown of Kon Tum, Vietnam. It is an inspiring tale of perseverance, but it wasn’t always this way.
Hai’s life changed forever when he was just a toddler. He suffered severe burns after falling into an open wood stove while pushing a baby walker in the kitchen. At the time, baby walkers were common, and people were unaware of the dangers they posed.
“I didn’t understand how dangerous they could be back then,” Hai reflected.
Following the accident, Hai was rushed to Saigon’s Children’s Hospital 1, where he spent the next two years undergoing intensive treatments and life-saving procedures. Despite numerous reconstructive surgeries, he was left with scars that would forever remind him of that agonizing day.
The trauma didn’t end with his physical scars. Hai also endured severe emotional distress. When he left the hospital, he faced ridicule and bullying because of his appearance. He recalls feeling isolated, saying, “I didn’t have many friends and felt alone growing up. I was treated like an outcast and faced mockery when trying to find work. There was a time I didn’t leave my house for over two years.”
Imagine being confined to your home for two years, unable to face the world outside. The emotional toll on Hai was unimaginable, but his story was far from over.
Though he fell behind in his education due to his extended absence, Hai eventually connected with another young person who, like him, had disabilities. They shared a bond that would help Hai through some of his darkest times.
“There are moments when I believe fate brought us together,” he said. “We’ve played together since we were kids. We’ve been through both happy and sad moments because we shared the pain of not having anyone to play with.”
Amidst the struggles, Hai found his hope in a dream: he wanted to open a bakery. This dream was born out of a painful experience when he and his friend were turned away from a bakery they had long wanted to visit. Their clothes weren’t as fancy as the other customers’, and they were treated unfairly.
“They didn’t listen to our explanation. Because we were poor, our clothes weren’t as nice as some people’s. They kicked us out,” Hai recalled.
That experience was humiliating, but it shaped Hai’s future. He realized he wanted to open a bakery where everyone, regardless of their wealth, could come in and enjoy delicious food. His mission became clear: to create a welcoming space for all.
With the support of his family, Hai attended a hospitality training school in Hanoi. Not long after, he fulfilled his dream of opening his own bakery—just a few years after he had given up hope of ever leaving his home due to the fear of being judged.
“Seeing so many happy faces was wonderful,” Hai shared. “I often invite children selling lottery tickets on the streets to come in for a piece of cake. We never know what struggles others have gone through. It’s important to show kindness.”
Now, Hai is focused on helping others who have faced similar hardships. “One way to change society is to give something back,” he said.
“I am more than how I look,” Hai told The Epoch Times. “Don’t use harsh words with me. I’ve survived.”
Hai’s story is a powerful testament to resilience. Despite enduring unimaginable pain and adversity, he has found a way to embrace life and create something beautiful out of his struggles. His strength, determination, and kindness are an inspiration to us all.
If you’re moved by Hai’s story and want to send love and encouragement to him or anyone else facing similar challenges, please share this post on Facebook. Let’s spread the message of hope, kindness, and the power of perseverance.
