The Friday Morning #127: Community Activities - Preparing to Face Fear
Tubudd welcomed Ms. Nguyen Huyen Mi to the 127th session of The Friday Morning, a heartfelt and empowering discussion on Community Activities - Preparing to Face Fear.
As a dedicated advocate and key figure in the Salt Cancer Initiative (SCI), Ms. Mi brought her eight years of experience supporting cancer patients in Vietnam to the table, offering insights into overcoming fear and building resilience. This session was a beacon of hope, shedding light on the realities of cancer, the power of early detection, and the transformative role of community support.
Understanding Cancer: A Manageable Challenge
Understanding Cancer: A Manageable Challenge
Cancer, with its various forms, remains a significant health concern worldwide, and Vietnam is no exception. Ms. Nguyen Huyen Mi highlighted that liver, lung, and breast cancers are among the most prevalent types in the country. However, she emphasized a crucial message: cancer is not as terrifying as it seems and can often be treated successfully if detected early. This perspective challenges the stigma and fear often associated with the disease, encouraging proactive health checks and awareness. SCI, founded with the mission to support cancer patients, plays a pivotal role by providing accurate information, psychological guidance, and a robust community network to help patients navigate their journey.
Ms. Mi shared a profound insight into the psychological stages cancer patients typically experience, drawing from her extensive work with SCI. These stages include:
Denial: Patients often visit multiple doctors, refusing to accept their diagnosis.
Anger: A common reaction of “Why me?” as they grapple with their reality.
Bargaining: Seeking ways to negotiate or mitigate their condition.
Depression: Feeling like a burden to themselves and their families, leading to sadness or withdrawal.
Acceptance: Embracing their situation, which, when achieved earlier, significantly improves their mental well-being.
Understanding these stages allows caregivers, families, and communities to offer tailored support, fostering a more compassionate environment for recovery.
SCI’s Eight Years of Impactful Work
SCI’s Eight Years of Impactful Work
Since its inception, SCI has been a lifeline for thousands, marking eight years of dedicated service by 2025. Ms. Mi proudly detailed the organization’s achievements, which include building a community of over 40,000 cancer patients, family members, and supporters across Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. This vast network forms the backbone of SCI’s ecosystem, recognized as the most comprehensive support system for cancer patients in Vietnam during their treatment journey.
SCI organizes regular activities on a monthly and quarterly basis, complemented by major annual events that bring the community together. These initiatives reflect SCI’s commitment to sustainability, creativity, and positive impact, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients while amplifying their voices with knowledge and energy.
SCI’s innovative programs showcase a holistic approach to supporting cancer patients:
Yoga Classes: Free sessions are offered daily in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Da Nang, with online options for broader access. These classes promote physical health and mental peace.
Meet-ups: Launched in 2018, these events connect patients with Vietnamese doctors, fostering knowledge exchange and support.
Vietnam Cancer Patient Forum: This annual event links patients with international medical experts, with over 400 participants engaging in meaningful discussions.
Art Classes: Designed to connect the community and provide relaxation, these sessions offer a creative outlet for patients.
Pediatric Classes: Every weekend, SCI volunteers, in collaboration with ME School, visit K Hospital in Tan Trieu to support young patients with engaging activities.
Movie Screenings: Free screenings provide entertainment and a sense of normalcy.
Fashion Shows: These events boost confidence and celebrate patients’ resilience.
Online Library: A digital resource hub offering educational materials and stories of hope.
These activities, held regularly and with significant annual gatherings, create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures both body and soul.
SCI’s Core Values and Vision
Ms. Nguyen Huyen Mi underscored SCI’s guiding principles: commitment to the community, sustainability, creativity, impact, and amplification. The organization’s creative initiatives, like yoga and art classes, transmit positive energy, while its impact is measured by improved quality of life and active community participation. By sharing knowledge and uplifting emotions, SCI ensures that patients and their families feel supported and empowered. The partnership with business entities like eDoctor, Tipsy, Samsung, Elite Fitness, and ME School, as outlined in the SCI Ecosystem, enhances this support through diverse products and services.
With eight years of hands-on involvement, Ms. Mi’s passion shines through her work. Her leadership has transformed SCI into a beacon of hope, connecting patients with specialists and fostering a community that thrives on mutual support. The image of her smiling alongside patients during a pediatric class visit encapsulates the organization’s mission: to show that no one fights cancer alone. This aligns with SCI’s earlier “24 hours of cancer patients” campaign, which raised awareness and highlighted daily struggles, a theme Ms. Mi continues to champion.
Impact on Tubudd’s Team
Impact on Tubudd’s Team
The The Friday Morning #127 session left a profound impact on Tubudd’s team, sparking reflection and growth among employees. Ms. Mi’s candid discussion about the emotional stages of cancer patients and the power of community support opened their eyes to the resilience required to face such challenges. Many staff members expressed a newfound appreciation for their own health, recognizing the fragility of life and the importance of regular check-ups. One team member noted, “Hearing about the acceptance stage made me realize how much mental strength plays a role, I’m inspired to prioritize my well-being.” Others were moved by the pediatric classes, vowing to contribute more to community initiatives.
The session also taught Tubudd employees the value of empathy and connection, core elements of their work with travelers and local communities. They learned to listen more deeply and support each other, mirroring SCI’s approach. This experience fostered a sense of gratitude, with team members expressing thanks for their supportive work environment and the opportunity to learn from inspiring figures like Ms. Mi. The session reinforced Tubudd’s mission to create human-centric experiences, leaving employees motivated to integrate these lessons into their daily tasks.
The Friday Morning #127 was a testament to the power of community and the importance of facing fear with knowledge and support. As Vietnam’s cancer awareness grows, SCI’s efforts under Ms. Mi’s guidance set an inspiring example. Stay tuned for the next The Friday Morning session on Tubudd’s platform to continue this journey of learning, connection, and hope!
