Magic Moments: The Nguyen Family

Bao Nguyen and Donna Bui are a memorable pair: fun-loving, generous to those they meet, devoted to each other and to their girls — Kayla, who’s 13, Ava, who’s 8, and 6-year-old Ellie. It’s amazing to the couple how quickly life can change. In what seemed like an instant, they went from parents of healthy kids to the scared mom and dad of a child with cancer. Ellie was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 2 and has been undergoing chemo treatments off and on in various intensities ever since. She’s currently in a maintenance stage of chemo and preparing for radiation treatment on her brain — tough stuff for anybody, but this youngster has been a trooper. The Nguyens moved back to Nebraska in 2019 to be closer to family. However, COVID’s arrival in 2020 presented a great risk to their health (Donna also has a compromised immune system, and Ellie needs a healthy mom), so the family has not been able to spend much time with friends or family, though they have formed quite a bond with their nurses and doctors. Donna’s brothers, Tony and Donny Bui, nominated the Nguyens for a Magic Moment because they felt the family needed some extra joy this season. UBT couldn’t agree more.

Always something to be thankful for

Bao is a hardworking father and sole provider trying his best to give his family a comfortable lifestyle. He is always keeping the family laughing and smiling, because really, there’s always something to be thankful for. Donna is able to keep things going on the home front, taking care of Ellie's chemo treatments and helping all three girls with remote learning. He feels so blessed to have her and his precious daughters. Big sister Kayla takes after Donna — she’s very nurturing, is always helping to take care of her sisters, and has a big imagination, with lots of great ideas for family entertainment. Sassy Ava, the middle child, never passes up an opportunity to be in the spotlight; she can act and dance like crazy. Little Ellie is a singer and artist with an amazing eye for detail. She is super strong and always happy; she learned gratitude from her parents.

Making their own fun

When they’re not putting on a variety show, the Nguyens find lots of other ways to make their own fun. Kayla creates scavenger hunts and competitions with prizes, the whole family loves board games, and Bao barbecues for the family, making meals an event. Family dinners are always fun, and so is watching YouTube food bloggers, a favorite after-dinner event.

UBT arranged to show the Nguyens some holiday love with the help of our amazing partners. Scheels has supplied the family with new snow boots and other gear. Lincoln Children’s Zoo donated a membership for a year of fun outings, Super C and U-Stop chipped in gift cards to help offset gas costs, and Popeye’s supplied a $50 gift card for a family dinner. Michael Battles from Pedigree Exteriors supplied and decorated the Nguyen Family house with Christmas lights, and the family will also be traveling to Santa’s Lights Show in Papillion. A crafting box donated by Mākit Tākit and plenty of board games will provide much enjoyment.

Bao is a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings, so he’ll be sporting new team gear. He will also be getting a gas snow blower thanks to special discounting by Wolfe Ace Hardware in Havelock. Lovely, patient Donna received a loaded spa basket for plenty of much-needed “me” time, and thanks to a new knife set and food chopper, she can cook along with the video stars!

Kayla and Ava are avid readers and have a fresh supply of volumes by their favorite authors. Ellie will look every bit the Disney princess in her new costumes, and all three girls have new LOL dolls, sweaters, and PJs. These beauties are also budding photographers, so each received a Fujifilm camera with extra film and a GoPro with a tripod. Say cheese, Mom and Dad!

We’re wishing the Nguyen family the season’s very best, and for continued health for Ellie. Happy holidays, Nguyen family!

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