In December of 1965 two Vietnamese women were hired to act as interpreters and aid with care of the children. Gwen quickly learned English and nursing skills. She became the leader of the nurses and the guardian angel of the hospital.
April 22 1970 Gwen is pictured with President Nixon, Dr. Everett Graffam, executive Vice President World Relief Organization, and Dr Clyde Taylor General Director of the National Association of Evangelicals. The responsibility for the hospital was transferred to World Relief Organization June 1970. April 1970 was a special month for Gwen as she made a month long visit to the U.S. During her visit she was honored in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Akron Ohio and Washington, D.C . While in Washington she also met the Secretary of the Navy, John Chaffee, the 1st Secretary to the South Vietnamese Embassy, Mr. Minh , and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General L. F. Chapman, Jr. General Chapman presented her with the following Citation. "The Commandant of the Marine Corps takes pleasure in presenting this testimony of grateful appreciation to Nguyen Thi Khang, a selfless humanitarian, who symbolizes the Fraternal Spirit of the peoples of Vietnam and the United States and the readiness of each to sacrifice in a common cause for the common good. Inspired by her dedication, consummate skills, and unceasing efforts, the Hoa Khanh Children's Hospital has grown from humble beginnings to the largest and most modern medical facilities in the Republic of Vietnam. The success achieved by the United States Marine Corps in building this living memorial to the Americans who have served in Vietnam can be attributed in large measure to this gracious lady who personifies the eternal hope that the children of Vietnam live in love, happiness, and freedon." lnspite of this impressive array ot dignitaries, the most precious moments of her visit were those spent in Akron . Her reunion with Dr. Shahady and Dr. Wilkerson on that blustery April night at the Akron-Canton Airport will be one long remembered. After the hugs and the tears and the exchange of gifts and remembrances, Gwen was swept through a maze of interviews, TV appearances, tours, dinners, parties, and shopping trips. The whole thing was culminated at the basketball game where along with 2000 supporters she watched the doctors from Akron City Hospital and Akron General Hospital give their all for her children in Vietnam One has only to meet Gwen and talk to her about her Hospital to get the true meaning of Hoa Khanh. The meaning transcends political beliefs and military views. It is not simply a matter of why should we care and what ' s it all worth, but rather what more can we do? The spirit of that hospital was born in this town (Akron), it was built by two of its doctors and it has continued to grow through the kindness and generosity of its people . 50,000 Vietnamese children are alive today because of these efforts.
In 1976 Gwen moved to San Jose California. She adopted several of the children from the Hospital and brought them with her. I (Ed Shahady) stayed in touch until 8-10 years ago but no word since then. If anyone has information please include in the blog page.
Gwen is pictured below with her many awards and citations
Gwen in the middle --corpsman Ed Manning far right. If anyone can name the others please email me at eshahady@att.net
Gwen at charity basketball game with physicians from City Hospital and General Hospital 1970 Akron Ohio. To the right of Gwen is Dr. Wilkerson and to the left Dr. Shahady. Below her are Dr. Shahady's children left to right Tom, Ed, Mary, Lisa and John. Child between Tom and Ed unknown.