Following immense public pressure, U.S. officials will finally allow the sister—and perfect stem cell donor match—of a California woman fighting leukemia to come to the United States for a lifesaving transplant.
U.S. officials had three times denied Thuy Nguyen permission to come to America to help save her sister’s life, despite multiple hospitals attesting that Helen Huynh’s cancer was aggressive and she had no time to spare. Officials callously believed Thuy wouldn’t return to Vietnam after the procedure.
Late Wednesday night, Congressman Alan Lowenthal called the family to let them know officials had relented and approved Thuy’s humanitarian parole, clearing the way for her arrival. One of Helen’s daughters has already left for Vietnam to help escort her aunt to the United States. Congressman Lowenthal:
“This is an incredible moment to know that Helen’s sister Thuy Nguyen will soon be here in America, and even more important that Helen will soon be getting the stem cell treatment that she so desperately needs.”
“Perhaps most importantly, I want to thank the Huynh family whose faith and determination in a positive outcome never wavered,” he said.
According to ABC 7 News, “Helen will be transferred from UCI Medical Center to the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte” to begin the medical procedure once her sister arrives. Of course, as with any major illness, “she will still have a tough road to recovery after the transplant,” but what’s important is that she is, hopefully, on her way. Congressman Lowenthal:
“Now that we know Helen, with the help of Thuy, will receive the treatment she needs, we should all take a moment and offer our best thoughts and prayers for Helen.
“Lastly, I want to thank my colleagues in Congress who have remained steadfast on this issue and offered tremendous support: Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Congressmen Lou Correa (CA-46), Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Ted Lieu (CA-33), and California Senator Kamala Harris.”
And, an important thank you to the many Daily Kos community members who called congressional offices, shared Helen’s story, and advocated on her behalf. You helped make a difference.
Friday, Sep 29, 2017 · 2:43:09 PM +00:00
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Gabe Ortiz
Senator Kamala Harris: “I am pleased the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the moral imperative to act, and that Helen will receive the urgent and life-saving care she needs. My thoughts and prayers will be with Helen, her sister Thuy, and the rest of their family throughout the procedure and the road ahead.”