Help Two Young Women Rebuild After Nearly a Decade in Hiding

Hi, my name is Phat. I’m a college student, and last Friday June 20, 2025 I began an urgent, cross-country trip to help two young women—now ages 19 and 20 (Now 21 as of July 1)—escape a life of long-term abuse and isolation they’ve endured since childhood.

I drove over 35 hours from Southeast Texas to northern Washington to pick them up. These girls have been in hiding since they were 11 and 12 years old. For nearly a decade, they were moved between cars, tents, and motels—kept from school, denied medical or dental care, and cut off from the world without even basic identification.

When I arrived, I found them living in a tent in someone’s backyard—in 30-degree weather—with zero cold weather gear. They had almost nothing. And most recently, their father—who has controlled and isolated them for years—began planning to flee to Mexico with no legal path, no resources, and no way to keep them safe. When one of the girls asked what would happen if something happened to him, his only answer was, “You’ll figure it out.”

That was the final red flag. I knew I couldn’t wait any longer.

By Monday night, we made it to Minnesota/North Dakota, where they are now staying with a trusted friend who has opened their home as a long-term safe place. I’m working closely with a local abuse recovery center and a victim’s advocate, and we’ve already been able to:

Get them emergency medical attention

Begin trauma therapy

Start the process to obtain state IDs and documentation

Provide them with a few clothing and hygiene basics

What We’re Raising Funds For

I’ve already spent over $1,800 out of pocket—covering travel, emergency needs, and essentials. But to be clear: This fundraiser is not for me. I’m not asking to be reimbursed.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward helping the girls begin their lives with dignity and safety, including:

Clothing, shoes, and hygiene supplies

Urgent dental care

Ongoing therapy and trauma support

GED prep, testing, and long-term education

Identification and legal documentation

A shared bed, bedding, and basic household items

Transportation and stability support

They are safe now, but they’re starting completely over—from nearly nothing.

Why I’m Reaching Out

I’ve rearranged my college schedule so I can support them while continuing my education. My friend is housing them, and I’ll stay long enough to help get them established. But we can’t do this alone. Their father is still actively trying to locate them, so we’re keeping their identities and location private until they’re secure and independent.

I normally live very privately, but I’m willing to step forward on their behalf, for their safety. I can verify this story with documentation, and I’m keeping a full record for transparency.

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this story helps us reach someone who might.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and believing in their future.

— Phat Nguyen

P.S.

For the safety and healing of the girls, and out of respect for the incredible host providing them a safe home, I’m keeping their identities and location anonymous. I’ve worked with a local victims’ advocate and connected with news professionals to begin validating and documenting the story safely. If needed, I can provide verification to legitimate support organizations or individuals offering serious help.