Nguyễn Thị Tú Lệ and her mother. Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

QUẢNG BÌNH – A woman in Quảng Bình Province is trying to overcome prejudices around organ donation when she dies.

Nguyễn Thị Tú Lệ, 50, in Mỹ Trạch Village, Mỹ Thủy Commune of Lệ Thủy District, was born into a poor family with five siblings.

When she was younger, Lệ left her hometown for the southern provinces to earn a living. She worked various jobs, including in a garment factory, to send money home to her family.

After more than ten years of living and working away from home, she returned to her hometown to care for her mother.

She used the money she saved during her time away from home to open a grocery store.

She did not get married, and she and her mother have had a peaceful life with the small grocery store for many years.

One day though, she said something to her mother that caused shock and dismay.

She told her she wanted to donate her organs after death.

Her siblings, relatives and neighbours couldn't believe what she was saying.

“When I revealed my intention of donating organs after I die, my brothers, sisters, relatives, friends and villagers protested," Lệ told suckhoedoisong.vn. They asked me to think carefully."

“In my village, no one registers as an organ donor because of the concept that when you die, you must have your ‘whole body’,” she said.

“Many people said I am insane.”

Although not many people supported her, her faith has persisted. She has researched organ and tissue donation carefully.

“I believe a tissue and organ donation for the community when we leave this world is not a 'death without a whole body' but is the self-being resurrected in another body,” Lê said.

“This action also helps many people prolong their lives,” she said.

Gradually, Lệ’s desire has gained some headway.

Speaking about her daughter’s post-death intentions, Lệ’s mother, Nguyễn Thị Vẹn, 87, said that at first, she did not agree because no one in the village had registered to donate organs before.

However, Lệ talked with her every night about the humane act.

Her mother gradually understood that this was very useful, so she also supported her daughter.

After receiving her mother's consent and understanding of her siblings and relatives, she contacted the local Red Cross to complete the registration procedure for organ and tissue donation.

That was in late 2022.

Lệ in her grocery store. Photo suckhoedoisong

Lệ said deciding to donate her organs was not an impulsive one, but a long process of psychological struggle and thorough investigation, accompanied by the fear that sometimes crept into her thoughts.

When she fulfilled her wish to register for organ donation, Lệ felt that her life was more joyful and meaningful. VNS