The Heartwarming ‘Loving Bread’ Stand at the Hospital

The Love-Filled Pastry Cabinet” in the Hospital Hallway Brings Comfort to Patients

Recently, after a challenging radiation therapy session, 57-year-old Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Liên, a cancer patient at Da Nang Hospital’s oncology department, slowly made her way to a neatly placed pastry cabinet in the hospital’s clean hallway.

The “Love-Filled Pastry Cabinet” shares kindness with patients at the oncology department of Da Nang Hospital – Photo: ĐOÀN NHẠN

Liên, who has been battling aggressive breast cancer for nearly two years, found warmth and comfort in this beautifully arranged pastry cabinet, a stark contrast to the otherwise painful environment of the hospital. “We patients usually bring bags of snacks to regain energy after treatments, which is cumbersome and expensive. Without these sweets, the chemicals make us nauseous. This pastry cabinet not only adds aesthetic value to the ward but also eases the hospital’s clinical atmosphere,” shared Liên.

Liên was moved to tears the first day the cabinet was placed there. The gesture of humanity helped her feel less alone in her fight against cancer.

Similarly, Phan Văn Nhẫn, 52, undergoing treatment for liver cirrhosis for three years, was deeply touched by the sight of the pastry cabinet. “For us undergoing treatment, such a kind gesture significantly boosts our morale,” Nhẫn expressed.

For patients in the dialysis unit, the free pastry cabinet in the artificial kidney department has been a financial relief. Each dialysis session lasts 4-5 hours, leaving patients exhausted and hungry. The cabinet offers them a little strength to make it back to their homes nearby.

More than just pastries, the cabinet now also includes a bookshelf for patients to relax and read.

Mr. Nguyễn Đình Quốc, deputy head of the social work department at Da Nang Hospital, explained that the “Love-Filled Pastry Cabinet” was an initiative by the medical staff to support especially outpatients who undergo over 120 dialysis sessions daily. After a 4-hour session, most patients are tired and hungry. The cabinet was established to offer a light meal to prevent them from feeling weak.

Upon hearing the idea, philanthropists immediately responded, ensuring the pastry trays are continuously replenished. “Following the success of the first two cabinets, we plan to install more across various departments, especially where patients are critically ill. We hope more philanthropists join us to keep this initiative going,” said Mr. Quốc.

(Source: Tuổi Trẻ Newspaper)