Tô Đình Khánh of HCM City is a real-life example of a miracle. Losing both legs has not diminished his zest for life or stopped him from being a role model in his community. Việt Nam News checks out the 31-year-old’s inspiring story.

Tô Đình Khánh, a disabled businessman and philanthropist, hopes to spread positivity in the community. VNS Photo Việt Dũng

Inner Sanctum: Can you tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Tô Đình Khánh, and I am an online business owner. I also have my own charity group “Đình Khánh và những người bạn” (Đình Khánh and friends) to help those who are in a similar condition to me and underprivileged people.

Inner Sanctum: Can you tell us the story behind your physical condition? When and how did it happen?

It all started on a random day in April 2018. I was at work when suddenly both of my legs fell asleep and then became painful to the point where I could not stand properly. I was rushed to Chợ Rẫy Hospital and was told that the blood vessels in my legs were completely clogged.

I was told that having both my legs amputated was the only option since they were completely necrotic due to the severe lack of blood flow. Doctors told me it would have been fatal not to have surgery, and so I agreed to the surgery though I was still very puzzled and scared.

Inner Sanctum: Did the surgery go smoothly? How long did it take you to fully recover?

My surgery was performed the very next day. When I woke up from the anaesthesia, I found both my hands tied to the bed frame in case I was in shock and touched the wounds.

Reality hit me hard, and I bawled in silence. I was in disbelief that I had been a totally healthy man literally a few days ago but now a disabled body.

But the worst thing had yet to come. Around a week later I was told that the necrosis was still there, and up to my hip joint. I had to go through the agonising process again of removing both of them.

My family and I were devastated and hopeless at that point, knowing that I would never get to have prosthetic legs now that my hip joints had been removed. My survival was a question mark as I had been significantly weakened by the previous operation. I genuinely thought it was the last time I was seeing my family.

When I was on the way to the second surgery, my mother whispered in my ears: “You can do this. Me, your father, your siblings, and your friends will always be here waiting for you.”

Those simple words gave me immeasurable strength and courage. I told myself I could not die, I had to live. The surgery was a success, and I was grateful for the efforts of the doctors.

I stayed at Chợ Rẫy Hospital for about four months for the recovery. I was then transferred to the Hospital for Rehabilitation and Professional Diseases for another two months. Even now I feel lucky to be alive after going through all that.

Tô Đình Khánh receives an award given to exemplary disabled people in 2022. Photo courtesy of Tô Đình Khánh

Inner Sanctum: How did you manage to live through the dark days and overcome your physical and mental agonies?

The first few months were really difficult for me and my family. I had to stay in bed all day, not being able to do anything without the help of my family members. I was so insecure, and insecurity gradually turned into depression. I was very bad tempered and aggressive with my beloved ones.

It was the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday of 2019. While doing the offerings to the ancestors, my dad sobbed aloud. He said he felt hopeless seeing his son going through such a tragedy, and the others in the family started crying. At that point I understood I had let my family worry too much, that I should not be dreary because it indirectly affected the feelings of my loved ones. I was determined to change.

I bought a wheelchair and started going around the house. Then I went outside, and it really changed the way I saw my life. I used to be afraid of curious looks from people, being discriminated against and be the talk of the town. However, I was surprised to receive great love and support from those around me.

Maybe I cannot move around with my legs, but I still have my arms to do things. I did a lot of exercise to strengthen my arms and upper body. I think nothing can limit me but myself.

Inner Sanctum: Can you share your experience meeting Nick Vujicic, one of the world's most loved motivational speaker who was born without any limb? How did he inspire you?

That same year I attended an event that hosted Nick Vujicic . I had read a lot of his books then, and he is one of my inspirations.

I was lucky to get support from other people at the event. I was seated in the front row, where I could see Nick up close. I spoke with him, and he gave me invaluable words of encouragement: "I see that you are very confident in your own body. I need you to maintain this confidence and spread it out to other people in Việt Nam."

His words have inspired me to become someone like him and to bring positivity to people. Since then I have found another purpose in life and a sense of responsibility towards my community.

Tô Đình Khánh, seen on a wheelchair, has organised many charity trips, one of which is a trip to provide necessities to underprivileged people in his hometown, Cư San Commune in Đắk Lắk Province’s M’đrak District. Photo courtesy of Tô Đình Khánh

Inner Sanctum: In what ways do you think you inspire people around you?

I have a Youtube channel documenting my charity trips, daily life, and memorable events. I want to show people that I am still able to do everything on my own even though I am physically imperfect. I hope that through my videos everyone will think there are many exciting things ahead of them and that life is worth living.

Viewers usually have a lot of words of encouragement for me and express sympathy for me and other underprivileged individuals. I also receive many comments and messages from people who are in the same condition as me saying they have become happier and more optimistic thanks to my posts.

I feel extremely fulfilled when my posts and videos have a significant impact on people. That encourages me to work harder and contribute more to society.

Inner Sanctum: Would you like to send a message to the community? What are your future plans?

I want to say thank you to my family, my wife, my little daughter, my friends, and people not only here in Việt Nam but also around the world for being with me through my journey. Had it not been for the unconditional support, I would not have been able to be who I am today.

My wife and I will continue to do our business and make our family stronger. I hope I will be able to continue spreading positivity and organising more community programmes this year. VNS