Stop AAPI Hate, Liem Tran Assaulted & Robbed

On the early morning of February 18th, while walking his regular commute to work, our father, Liem, was senselessly beaten and robbed. The assailants cruelly left him bleeding and unconscious on the street alone in the freezing cold. My mother and I were notified by the police that he was on his way to the emergency room. Unfortunately, our father sustained severe neck and spinal cord injuries that required immediate emergency surgery. In one instant this unconscionable crime changed not only his life but reshaped our entire family as well. 

As a result of this tragic incident, Liem lives in constant pain and is partially paralyzed in all four extremities. He spent nearly two months in the hospital and as a family we were heartbreakingly unable to visit him due to COVID restrictions. At home, Liem, is still in a neck brace and is mostly bedridden. Some of the things he is unable to do on his own include dressing, walking, feeding, and using the toilet. While insurance has covered some of the medical essentials, we as a family are not in a position to provide him the best healthcare he needs. 



Liem is a proud war veteran and an immigrant. He fought in support of the United States during the Vietnam War, and worked hard to provide the best he can for his two sons. Like many immigrant stories, he came here with nothing and worked hard for everything. Despite being of retirement age, our father persisted in working a full-time job which required him waking every day at 4 AM. He lives a simple life; enjoying only a few things, like a good day's work, fine dining, and listening to music.


February 18th was supposed to be another routine day, but this senseless act has forced Liem into a retirement that brings us much sadness. What was even more appalling is that several hours apart, a second victim of Asian descent was robbed by the assailants. The generous donations received will be completely dedicated to covering medical and private in-home care expenses. My intent is to recognize the evil that occurred, but also the good when people come together to end this insidious wave of Asian hate. I want to thank anyone who donates or shows support just by sharing this tragedy.