That day, Mr Ngoc Tri and Mrs Kim Thi sat quietly side by side, saying nothing. Cancer had struck like a sudden, heavy blow, disrupting two peaceful decades they had spent working at FV Hospital. She fell into despair. He, quietly and with all his strength, held on to hope. Yet in those darkest moments, they found even more reasons to love FV – because this place never let them face life’s challenges alone.

From a small family to two members of the larger FV family

Mrs Huynh Kim Thi began working at FV Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in 2004. As a care assistant, she witnessed countless life-or-death moments, supporting doctors and nurses through critical cases. In the early days, she felt overwhelmed by the scale and standards of an international hospital. Over time, however, she grew to deeply value FV for its integrity and humanity – “a place where people work with integrity and compassion,” she shared. Because their home was far from the hospital, she often relied on her husband to drive her to work during those first years.

After five years, she encouraged her husband to join her at what she described as a “wonderful place.” Mr Phan Ngoc Tri, who was then working elsewhere, had heard enough through his wife’s stories to give FV a try. He joined as a hospital porter, working across various departments before settling in the Accident & Emergency Department.
“Everything he imagined about FV turned out exactly like I told him,” Mrs Thi said with a smile. “For the past 15 years, we’ve both gone our separate ways to work – different shifts, different departments – but always with the same dedication.”

Mr Tri also took on a role that few are willing to fill – caring for FV’s mortuary. For nearly a decade, he has served as the final companion to patients who have passed away, tending to every detail with quiet strength and deep respect. Mrs Thi believes it is his calm, steady presence that has helped her navigate many personal hardships. “He always believed that those who live kindly will be repaid in time.”

For nearly 10 years, Mr Tri – Mrs Thi’s husband – has quietly dedicated himself to caring for FV Hospital’s mortuary, meticulously attending every detail to ensure patients receive a respectful and dignified farewell.

Over their 20 years at FV, their family grew from two to six members. Their four children, as she says, have all been cared for, directly or indirectly, by the hands and expertise of FV’s staff. Their lives are deeply intertwined with the hospital’s journey.

When a Hospital Becomes More Than Just a Place to Work

Life flowed quietly until a health crisis struck without warning. Two years ago, Mrs Kim Thi was diagnosed with lung cancer. She vividly remembers sitting in the hospital where she had worked for years, hearing the diagnosis, and falling silent with her husband by her side. Together, they chose to keep the news private, not wanting to burden their colleagues with worry.

Concerned about costs and not wanting to be surrounded by pity, they initially planned to seek treatment elsewhere. “My husband supported every decision – I think we were both hoping for a different answer or a miracle,” she recalled. In the end, they faced two choices: give up or fight. They chose to fight – quietly, together.

During sleepless nights filled with fear, it was Mr Tri’s calm gaze and steady pressure that gave her strength. He was never one for words, but he was always there, doing whatever he could. His quiet courage and constant support became her anchor.

Mr Tri’s calm and steady presence became a constant source of strength, helping Mrs Thi endure the most difficult phases of her battle with illness.

However, the ICU team, her second family, noticed and quietly informed the Hospital Board. Dr Vu Truong Son, then newly appointed Deputy Medical Director, acted immediately.
“Dr Son arranged everything, including retrieving my treatment records from the other hospital,” she recalled, her eyes welling with tears. “He persuaded me to stay at FV, to focus on healing first – everything else could wait.”

“FV didn’t let me face this alone.”

Throughout the long battle that followed, she often forgot she was a cancer patient. Hope gradually returned. She remembers the confident smile of Dr Basma, the constant encouragement of her colleagues, and most of all, the words of Dr Luong Ngoc Trung – the surgeon who operated on her. “When he asked if I wanted another doctor, I was moved. He’s already an excellent doctor, yet still so humble. Why would I want anyone else when I had family right here at FV?” she said.

As they often remind each other, kindness given to the world eventually finds its way back. Mrs Thi tried to describe what it feels like to be given a second life – but some emotions are beyond words. It is difficult to fully express the joy, gratitude, and pride she feels for a place that has given her life back – twice. To them, FV is more than just a workplace. It is home – a place that has carried them through moments of both life and loss, and given them a second chance at living.

For both of them, FV is more than just a workplace – it is a “home.” A place that supported them through life and loss, and gave them a renewed chance at life.

They know that cancer treatment is a long journey, one that demands strength and resilience. But for Mrs Thi, simply returning to FV for treatment already felt like a victory. “The most wonderful thing,” she says with a smile, “is realising that FV never let me face this journey alone. They gave me back the hope I thought I had lost.”

Many come to FV for its reputation. But for Mr Tri and Mrs Thi, it is something more – it is home. They helped build this place, worked alongside compassionate colleagues, and in return, received care and dignity when they needed it most. As they have always believed: knock sincerely, and one day, a new life will open on the other side.