In today’s world, tragic events seem to dominate the news and social media, making it easy to feel overwhelmed. Negativity often takes center stage because it draws attention, leaving us disheartened by the lack of real solutions to these issues.
At Newsner, we strive to provide a balanced perspective, sharing both uplifting and difficult stories. This one is a mix of both—a tale that highlights life’s challenges but also its triumphs.
Meet Ngo Quy Hai, a 29-year-old burn survivor from Kon Tum, Vietnam, who has turned his life around and now runs a thriving bakery. His journey is one of resilience, but it wasn’t an easy road.
Hai’s life took a devastating turn when, as a toddler, he accidentally fell into an open wood stove while using a baby walker in the kitchen. At the time, few were aware of the dangers these walkers posed.
“I didn’t know how risky they were back then,” Hai reflected.
Following the accident, he was rushed to Saigon’s Children’s Hospital 1, where he remained for two years, undergoing extensive treatments and reconstructive surgeries. Though doctors saved his life, he was left with lasting scars—both physical and emotional.
Once he left the hospital, Hai faced relentless bullying and social rejection. His appearance made him an outcast, and he struggled to find acceptance. “I didn’t have many friends. People mocked me when I tried to find work. At one point, I didn’t leave my house for over two years,” he shared.
Spending so much time in isolation took a heavy toll on him, but his story didn’t end there.
Eventually, Hai found comfort in a friendship with another young person who also had disabilities. Their shared struggles created a deep bond, offering each other support through difficult times.
“Sometimes, I feel like fate brought us together,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot—both good and bad—because we understood what it felt like to be excluded.”
One painful experience, however, changed the course of Hai’s life. He and his friend had long wanted to visit a bakery, but when they finally did, they were turned away simply because their clothes weren’t as nice as the other customers’.
“They didn’t even let us explain. Just because we were poor and didn’t look the part, they kicked us out,” Hai recalled.
That moment, though humiliating, sparked a dream in Hai. He vowed to open a bakery of his own—one where everyone would be welcome, regardless of their background.
With his family’s support, he enrolled in a hospitality training school in Hanoi. Not long after, he made his dream a reality, opening his own bakery just a few years after he had once feared stepping outside.
“Seeing so many happy faces meant the world to me,” he said. “I often invite children selling lottery tickets to come in and enjoy a piece of cake. You never know what someone else has been through. Kindness matters.”
Today, Hai is focused on giving back and supporting others facing adversity. “The best way to change society is by contributing something positive,” he said.
“I am more than my appearance,” he told The Epoch Times. “Don’t judge me by my scars. I’ve survived.”
Hai’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance. Despite unimaginable hardships, he has turned his struggles into something meaningful. His journey of strength, compassion, and determination is an inspiration to us all.
If Hai’s story resonates with you, consider sharing it to spread a message of hope and kindness.