On August 3rd, 2023, the Ho Chi Minh City Open University, in collaboration with the Institute of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine (175 Military Hospital), organized the program "OU Thanks - Spreading Love" - a meaningful activity aimed at spreading positive inspiration to doctors, nurses, and patients.

OU Thanks is an annual activity of Ho Chi Minh City Open University. In 2023, OU Thanks was organized to provide an opportunity for students and staff of the university to show care, encourage, and spread positive energy to those facing difficulties in cancer treatment. Under the theme of "Spreading Love", OU Thanks involved the participation of oncologists and nuclear medicine specialists who shared intimate stories and elements contributing to positive thinking and the power to overcome the disease.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Long, a psychologist - member of the Vietnamese Psychological Association - a lecturer of HCMCOU delivered a talk on the positive mindset in the program.

Activities within the program included:

Dr. Nguyen Huu Long, a psychologist - member of the Vietnamese Psychological Association - a lecturer of HCMCOU delivered a talk on the positive mindset and the importance of psychology during cancer treatment. Through sharing his experiences and knowledge, Dr. Nguyen Huu Long has inspired and encouraged patients not to give up and to keep their hopes alive.

Besides, Ho Chi Minh City Open University established a bookshelf named "Open Your Love". This bookshelf was built with the love from students, the university, and other donors who provided books. The bookshelf aimed to create a cultural space that inspires and brings vitality to everyone.

In the vicinity of the bookshelf, there was a hanging tree called "Planting Love Seeds" where messages of encouragement and support from teachers, students, and staff were attached, sending moral support to doctors, nurses, and patients undergoing cancer treatment at Hospital 175.

Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, in collaboration with the Institute of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, presented 200 gifts to the medical team, encouraging and supporting the health of cancer patients.

Community Bookshelf

OU Thanks 2023 provided an opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City Open University to express its concern for the community's health, especially those facing difficulties. Through this program, cancer patients could feel that they were part of a community. A good hospital is not only a place to heal pain but also a place where patients come together to share and overcome similar challenges. This has created empathy and connection among patients, making them feel supported and not alone.

Dr. Le Nguyen Quoc Khang - Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University presented gift to cancer patients

With the mission of "Building Awareness - Connecting the Community - Spreading Strength" of OU Green Plus Club - the organizing unit of the program, more meaningful activities are expected in the upcoming time. The club hopes to spread positive actions to everyone and organize many other useful activities for the community as well as the environment.

You can find updates on environmental news and events on the OU Green Plus Fanpage.