Free Wheelchair Mission Trip, Cao

Sandy Quartuccio, co-owner of Right at Home North Shore Long Island, was in Vietnam on a Free Wheelchair Mission Vision trip this year. She has written about her journey, experiences and people she met.

Cao is 61 years old. He is a farmer. All of the people we have met are farmers. Their crops are mostly rice, but also some vegetables. In 2002, Cao fell over backward while he was tending his rice fields and suffered a serious injury to his spinal cord. Doctors tried to help him with medicines but he didn't get better. After leaving the hospital he has spent most of his time in bed. His wife, Chien, needs to help him bathe and take care of him in general. When Cao got a little stronger he was able to use a cane sometimes but he is afraid of falling down because he is not that strong and his environment is difficult to navigate.

Cao and Chien live with Chien's mother. Cao and Chien both dropped out of school in the 6th grade to raise and support their family. They have 6 children and 7 grandchildren, 5 from Cao's side and 2 from Chien's side, who live nearby. We learned that in Vietnam grandchildren are from the grandfather's side of the family when they are children of the grandparent's sons and they are from the grandmother's side of the family when they are children of the grandparent's daughters. Cao looks forward to being able to visit his children and grandchildren now.

Cao is also looking forward to visiting his friends and attending monthly party meetings in his hamlet. Prior to his injury he attended political party meetings every month. Cao applied for a wheelchair 2 years ago as it became increasingly difficult for his wife to care for him. He has not been able to get around to do these simple things that he used to enjoy. He expressed his gratitude and joy to regain some mobility without fear of falling down. He says with a smile. "Now I will be able to sunbathe."

To donate to the Free Wheelchair Mission, please visit Sandy's fundraiser page.