Cancer patients receive gifts of encouragement at the fundraising event in HCM City on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trung Tuyến

HCM CITY — More than VNĐ2.23 trillion (US$84.6 million) was pledged in cash, medicines and medical supplies for the “Ngày mai tươi sáng” (Bright Future) Fund at a charity art exchange programme held in HCM City on Saturday to support disadvantaged cancer patients across Việt Nam.

The event, organised by the Supportive Fund for Cancer Patients - Bright Future under the Ministry of Health, was attended by Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Thị Thanh Trà, alongside leaders of the health sector and HCM City authorities.

The 2026 fundraising programme served as a platform connecting art and compassion while spreading the message that “No one should fight cancer alone.” The event featured performances by renowned Vietnamese artists and emotionally charged musical acts aimed at inspiring solidarity and hope.

A highlight of the programme was the sharing of real-life stories from cancer patients facing financial hardship who had received treatment support through the “Bright Future” Fund and the wider community.

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Trà commended the Ministry of Health and the fund for becoming a meaningful source of support for more than 50,000 poor cancer patients nationwide, helping them access treatment, medicines and essential healthcare services.

She noted that many families have overcome periods of despair and regained hope for a happier future, and numerous children have been able to return to school and continue pursuing their dreams.

In the most difficult moments, human compassion becomes more sacred than ever. Timely support not only helps patients afford treatment but also enables them to preserve faith and determination in their fight against illness, she said.

The deputy PM stressed that many poor cancer patients and families across the country remain in urgent need of assistance and called on businesses, donors and the community to continue joining hands so that no patient, especially disadvantaged children, will be left alone in their struggle for survival.

According to Associate Professor Dr Lê Văn Quảng, vice president of the fund, the fund has, over the past 15 years, supported more than 53,000 underprivileged cancer patients with treatment costs and mobilised over VNĐ5 trillion ($189.6 million) from domestic and international organisations, enterprises and donors. More than 12,000 patients have gained access to targeted therapies, while over 80,000 people nationwide have benefited from free cancer screening programmes.

Within the framework of the event, the fund also launched the 2026 campaign, encouraging public donations via VietQR codes integrated into banking applications. Donation information is being updated transparently in real time on the National Humanitarian Portal 1400.

Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Thị Thanh Trà visits patients at Children's Hospital 2 in HCM City on Saturday. — VNA/VNS Photo Đinh Hằng

Earlier the same day, on the occasion of International Children’s Day (June 1), Deputy Prime Minister Trà visited and presented gifts to 260 child patients, including 160 children undergoing cancer treatment, at Children's Hospital 2. She encouraged the children to remain courageous in overcoming illness and expressed her hope that they will soon return to their families and schools, and realise their aspirations. — VNA/VNS