Two years ago, a 32-year-old woman in Phu Yen Province made headlines when she miraculously survived being set on fire by her husband, resulting in burn injuries on 92 percent of her body. Today, she is thriving after starting a new life in Ho Chi Minh City with her two children.

Le Thi Kim Ngan, now 34, has rebuilt her life using the money she earns through the online shop and clothing repair businesses she runs from her small house in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite the physical and mental pain she’s endured, Ngan has managed to raise two children on her own while her husband serves time in prison for trying to burn her alive. 

Ngan repairs clothes for customers at her home in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

“It was a journey I had to take one step at a time. I’m still not sure how I got through some of the toughest obstacles. I think then when people wind up in miserable situations, they can always find a way to overcome their adversity, as long as they try,” Ngan told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Ngan and her two children. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

Ngan even filed an appeal for a sentence reduction for her husband, hoping it would set an example of tolerance and forgiveness for her kids. Not had she beat the odds, but she came out with a more caring heart.

Every few months, Ngan joins a group of volunteers to lend a helping hand to those in need. According to Ngan, this not only provides her with happiness, but also sets an example of sharing and caring for her two children.

Ngan harvests calabash at her home in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

“When visiting needy children, I feel that I’m the one receiving, not giving. The kids are very innocent, but they can’t live a normal life. I’m luckily to have survived my own tragedy and now I cherish life,” Ngan explained.  

Ngan happily watches her children grow. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

After undergoing seven surgeries to improve her mobility, Ngan is able to lead a relatively normal life. According to Ngan, her kids are the tremendous source of motivation, living her spirits and allowing her to overcome the challenges due to the burn scars that cover her body.  

In the future, Ngan plans to help other disabled people begin their own e-commerce businesses so that they can generate enough income to get their lives back on track.

Ngan visits disadvantaged kids at an orphanage in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

Ngan and her two children visit an orphanage in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

A child is overjoyed to see Ngan visit the orphanage in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

Ngan donates a small gift to the orphanage in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang An / Tuoi Tre

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Linh To - Hoang An / Tuoi Tre News