Chi Nguyen, who gave a gift of love to help an ailing little girl from Cambodia two years ago, shares a moment Saturday night with the same, but very healthy, not-as-little girl, Davik Teng, at a benefit in Long Beach, Calif., on March 20, 2010. (Vanta El / For the Press-Telegram)
via CAAI News Media
Chi Nguyen lifted spirits and helped then-ailing Davik Teng
By Greg Mellen, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/20/2010
LONG BEACH -- The event was a celebration and fund-raiser for a 2-year-old Cambodian girl, but the show stopped for a moment for a "surprise" reunion.
Two years ago, then 9-year-old Davik Teng came to the U.S. as the first patient of a nonprofit that helps impoverished Cambodian children receive medical treatment not available in their home country.
Here in Long Beach, another girl who knew a thing or two about adversity read the story of Davik and was deeply touched. Chi Nguyen, a Vietnamese immigrant and cancer survivor, saw a kindred spirit in Davik and decided to donate her Vietnamese New Year and do extra chores to raise money to help with a surgery that Davik was to undergo. She raised $50.
News of Chi's gesture reached her teacher fifth-grade teacher at the time, Shani rae Erickson. The teacher was so inspired by Chi's generosity that she helped spearhead a drive at Lincoln Elementary School that raised about $1,800.
On Saturday at a benefit for Socheat Nha, another Cambodian child hoping for life-altering surgery Davik and Chi met again for the first time since Davik returned to Cambodia.
Although the meeting was meant to be a surprise for the two girls, it didn't quite work out that way.
It appears Peter Chhun, the founder of nonprofit Hearts Without Boundaries, isn't very good at withholding.
When Chi, now a 13-year-old at Hill Middle School, was asked if she was surprised to see Davik, Chi said "I actually overheard Mr. Peter talking about it two weeks ago."
And then there was the picture of Davik with Socheat on the event flyer.
"You're not very good at keeping secrets," Chi chided.
Despite the lack of the "shocking" reveal, the girls hugged and smiled shyly at one another. Chi said she almost didn't recognize Davik since the Cambodian girl had her hair cut and sported bangs.
Through translation, Davik said she remembered Chi and the help the older girl provided.
"I still remember her," Chi said, "though I've forgotten a little while going through my school activities. I'm very glad since now she's healthy."
Chhun said it was important for the two girls to meet, because he wants Davik to remember and understand those in the U.S. who showered the young girl with love and support.
While reunion was a happy moment filled with childlike glee, it underscored the seriousness of both the event and the mission of Hearts Without Boundaries.
When Davik was discovered in a small hut in an impoverished village with no electricity or running water, she was a child without hope or future. She gasped for breath through lungs that were stressed from a hole in her heart.
Today, Davik is healthy and happy thanks to an operation performed by Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and brokered in part by Hearts Without Boundaries.
Socheat is the latest and third overall client of the nonprofit. Her condition is more complicated than Davik's and she has already been turned down for treatment here in the U.S.
Socheat's family in Long Beach is now trying to raise money for a risky surgery in the Dominican Republic. A renowned thoracic surgeon has offered his services, although the hospital must be paid and the cost of travel and lodging in the Dominican Republic must be covered during Socheat's recovery.
About 100 residents came to Sophy's restaurant Saturday to lend their support and learn about the prospects and hurdles Socheat faces.
Donations to Hearts Without Boundaries can be made online through
heartswithoutboundaries.com or by calling Peter Chhun at 818-640-6191.
greg.mellen@presstelegram.com , 562-499-1291
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