Ngo Quy Hai, 27, is a burn survivor who now owns a prominent bakery in his hometown of Kon Tum, Vietnam. But, things were not always that good in his life. In fact, not at all.

When a terrible disaster occurred that would forever change Hai’s life, he was still a toddler.

He allegedly stumbled into an open wood stove in the kitchen while carrying a baby walker, seriously burning a major portion of his body.

“Back then, baby walkers were widespread, and no one knew how deadly they could be,” Hai added.

Following the accident, Hai was immediately sent to Children’s Hospital 1 in Saigon. He was treated with therapies and intense care for a total of two years in order to save his life.

Even after numerous reconstructive surgery, this poor little child was left with scarring as a constant reminder of the most tragic day of his life.

Hai had also suffered significant emotional harm as a result of the incident. After leaving the hospital, he was mocked for his appearance.

“I felt alone and didn’t have many friends growing up,” he explained. “I felt excluded from society. I was laughed at and insulted when I tried to get a job. “I didn’t leave my house for over two years at one point.”

We can only imagine how difficult Hai’s path has been. It’s horrible to have gone two years without leaving the house.

Hai had fallen behind in his academics as a result of his two-year vacation. He did, however, find a buddy with whom he could bond, one who also had impairments.

“Sometimes I think we were brought together by fate,” Hai said of his new companion. “We’ve been playing with since we were very little and have shared many thrills and tears, since we both shared the misery that no one wanted to play with us.”

Despite his grief and sorrow, Hai clung to one ambition above all others: he wanted to create a bakery. This was a direct result of him and a friend being ejected out of a bakery they had wanted to visit for a long time.

“Since we were poor, our clothes weren’t as fancy as some people’s, and they didn’t listen to our explanation either. “They drove us away,” Hai explained.

“It was embarrassing. Nonetheless, it is an experience that has shaped who I am now. It made me realize what I wanted to do in my heart. I planned to create my own bakery so that I could bake exquisite and gorgeous cakes and serve nice cuisine to everyone, affluent or poor. I would not make any distinctions; everyone would be welcome.”

He attended a hospitality training school in Hanoi with the help of his family. Nevertheless, Hai realized his dream of opening his bakery only a few years after resigned himself to hiding inside, terrified to show his face.

“It was wonderful to see so many happy faces,” he remarked.

“I see a lot of kids on the street selling lottery tickets, and I usually welcome them in for a slice of cake. We have no idea what others have gone through. Be considerate.

“It is now my dream to assist those who are experiencing similar difficulties as I have. Giving back is the only way to make a difference in society.”

“I am more than how I appear,” Hai says. Do not use harsh remarks against me. “I have survived.”