Meet Phạm Thị Thanh Vân, a dynamic and influential figure who serves as the Vice President of the Blind Association of Da Nang City. Among the dedicated students attending our comprehensive massage training course in December 2024, Vân stands out as a beacon of resilience and leadership.
Born with healthy vision, Vân’s life took an unforeseen turn at the age of 14 when a brain tumor diagnosis impacted her optic nerve, setting in motion a gradual loss of sight. Though her vision dwindled to a mere 1/10th, Vân resolutely refused to allow blindness to dictate her future.
Following high school, Vân found a supportive community at the Blind Association of Lien Chieu District, Da Nang. Here, under the guidance of encouraging mentors, she embraced new ways of learning, mastering Braille and diligently training in therapeutic massage techniques at the esteemed University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Da Nang. These formative years spent at the Association were instrumental in her journey, helping her rediscover hope and rebuild her confidence in a life lived without sight.
Vân embarked on her massage career in 2005, a time when the profession for the visually impaired faced considerable skepticism and misunderstanding. Many potential customers were unfamiliar with the field, and misconceptions were prevalent. However, Vân’s unwavering persistence and dedication to honing her skills gradually began to shift public perception. Through the undeniable health benefits and the exceptional quality of her services, her massage center steadily gained trust within the community, attracting an increasing number of clients.
Today, Vân’s thriving massage center stands as a testament to her vision and leadership, providing stable employment and income for 20 visually impaired individuals. Her own monthly income, supplemented by generous tips from satisfied customers, not only ensures her self-sufficiency but also empowers her to create opportunities for others within the visually impaired community.
Always driven by a desire for growth and innovation, Vân eagerly joined Omamori Spa’s advanced Vietnamese non-oil therapeutic massage training course. Her aim is to expand her skillset with cutting-edge techniques, diversify her service menu, and ultimately generate even more employment opportunities for the blind individuals she champions.
With unwavering belief and continuous effort as her guiding principles, Phạm Thị Thanh Vân is not just building a successful business; she is cultivating a strong and respected profession for the visually impaired. Her vision extends far beyond her own success, encompassing a deep commitment to helping blind individuals gain confidence, seamlessly integrate into society, and lead fulfilling and prosperous lives. Vân’s journey is a powerful reminder that true vision lies not in sight, but in the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering dedication to creating a better future for oneself and one’s community.
