A special message from Giap to Gabi

Dear Aunty Gabi,

I am very happy and moved when you visit Vietnam and visit me and meet me.

Time goes very fast - it is already 14 years since the day Professor Fred Hollows has brought the life to my right eye. The story happened at my childhood but it feels like it happened yesterday.

During my effort to study and grow, the right eye always remind me about the great work Professor Fred Hollows had done for me, about the luckiness and the miracle meeting between me and Professor.

The story is always a motivation for me to try and try more to become a good man for the society. In some first steps I have gained some small achievements - I am now the third year student of the university of education, mathematics subjects, and I am very happy about that.

I always had a dream - in the future I will come back the National Eye Hospital to visit and thank the doctors and nurses. I especially wish to travel to Australia in order to present an incense in front of the Professor Fred Hollows grave - the late father in my heart.

I am truly happy that you visit my family. I and my family cannot find enough words to thank the Professor and you. I want to send the best wishes to you and your children, wishing you and your children always healthy, happy in your life, success in your work. I wish for the great cause of father Fred Hollows to be continued to bring the life for more poor people in the world.

Tran Van Giap, 2006

(Translated by Vietnam Country Manager, Dr Huynh Tan Phuc)