Phung's Story

Phung's Story - May 9, 2008 - In March 2007, 17-year-old Phung Thi Ni Na was approached and asked out on a date by a 21-year-old would-be suitor during her cousin’s birthday party. Phung is from the town of Da Nang, Vietnam near the Marble Mountains where the bond of marriage is looked upon as sacred. Aware that her family was opposed to dating, Phung refused to go out with the suitor, not wanting to dishonor her parents. Following the party, as Phung and her cousin took an afternoon nap, she was doused with gasoline and set on fire by the rejected suitor. Her cousin received minor injuries, while Phung sustained third degree burns to 75 percent of her body. She was treated at Da Nang hospital for three months, and was sent home when her family could no longer afford to pay for medical treatment Phung’s father earns approximately $300 a year working in the rice fields, and so her family has resorted to medically treating Phung themselves. Prior to the attack her mother worked alongside her father but now stays home to care for her daughter. Phung is completely dependent on her family. At this time, Phung is unable to move as the wounds to her neck, mouth, armpits and elbows have contracted. All mirrors have been hidden in her home, and though she can see her fingerless hand and her black, burnt skin, she is clueless as to what her face looks like. Phung has struggled with the thought of death and suicide, consciously willing her body to die, so as to relieve her family of the burden she feels she has become. Just as her faith was almost gone, the Children’s Burn Foundation approved to provide reconstructive treatment for Phung as well as cover transportation and housing expenses. When the family was told the good news, her first response was “Mother, do you think you could buy me new clothes when we go to the U.S.?” Now Phung dreams of one day walking again, going out with friends and meeting Good Morning Vietnam star Robin Williams. Perhaps she will even be able to return to school. The love and compassion of others has brought a once dim spark for life back. Phung’s family is no longer thinking about her death; they are thinking about her life. Note: Phung’s attacker was sentenced to 16 years in jail for his crime.