With Luck

Some might question Gai and Mai Vang’s choice of a middle name for their son, Ken.

In Hmong, Muaj Koob means “with luck.”

The 11-month-old was born with part of his intestines on the outside of his stomach. Physicians in Oklahoma had reassured the couple that their son’s intestines could be placed inside his stomach after birth.

“He was born and they took him to surgery right away,” Mai recalled. “I didn’t get to see him or hold him.”

Physicians realized that the blood had stopped flowing through the boy’s intestines and had to remove the portion that remained on the outside of his body.

His doctors referred the Vangs to the Nebraska Medical Center where he is being treated for “short gut” syndrome. His intestines already have grown to 18 inches and physicians have promised they’ll grow even longer. He looks great, his mother said, and she hopes to take him home soon.

 While in Nebraska, Mai and her son live at the Ronald McDonald House. Gai cannot be away from his job as a mechanic in a bus factory, and visits on weekends.

Mai said she appreciates the company she is keeping at the Ronald House. “Everyone down here is really friendly.”

 While she missed home, Mai admitted that staying in Nebraska does have its benefits. “It’s really, really hot right now in Oklahoma. When it rains, it rains hard and it gets windy.”