Grandpa's Funeral & Medical Bills

Our grandpa, Tran Van Thanh, passed away after battling ailments for over 10+ years.  With the lack of a national health insurance plan in Vietnam, a lot of families end up coming out of pocket for all medical expenses.  This has taken a toll on my mother and our family for the past decade.  We were hoping that now we could lay him to the well rest that he deserves.

As aforementioned, if you cannot afford medical services in Vietnam, unfortunately, you pay for what you can afford, and for the most part, citizens end up dying at home.  The services (wake & cremation) in Vietnam are usually very public to the neighborhood and locals to come by to pay their respects.  There is a prayer circle from a Buddhist monk, and a live band of mourners who serenade the deceased with songs and prayers.  Unfortunately, during his wake, someone entered the home and stole the money that my mother sent to put her father to rest.   You can only imagine how embarrassing it was to come up short, with only an empty envelope left behind.  

Speaking on behalf of my family and I, we are not one to ask for handouts.  My entire family have worked tirelessly for everything that we have.  I find it incredibly awkward to ask for monetary assistance from those who also work hard for a living.  Now, that his services are at a halt, and after numerous encouragements and suggestions from friends; I have created this gofundme page in hopes to gather back the money that's been stolen to complete his services.  We have exhausted everything we can afford.

Additionally, anything left over, will be put towards the medical bills still lingering and left on the back-burner as to alleviate any stress on my mother and to allow my family to mourn properly without the added stressors.  Watching my mother scrape change and working extra hours on her days off when she first learned of his passing; and consoling her broken heart as she sobbed when the money was gone was unbearable.  

Any amount is much appreciated during this difficult time.  From our family to yours, we thank you in advance for your time.