Searching for One's Mother While Sick: The Story of a Daring French-Vietnamese Woman

Over the past 20 years, Solène Martel (24, living in France) has always longed to find her Vietnamese identity, starting with a reunion with her biological mother.

Yet fate can be cruel. Not only does she have little information to find her mother, but also she is fighting her own battle with the Cushing's disease.

Vietnam Times reached out to the daring 24-year-old Vietnamese female to find out more about her epic story and her plans to reunite with her mother.

Five short hours with mom

At the age of 24, Solène Martel (Vietnamese name: Tran Thi Thanh Xuan, living in France) has always agonized about her roots. Photo: Solène Martel

There has never been a day when young Solène stopped wishing to find her biological mother even though as a newborn baby, she was only held in her mother's arms for five hours.

According to the information recorded on the birth certificate registered on October 23, 1998, the name of head of the local clinic where Solène was born is Nghien Thi Toan Photo: Solene Martel

A 23:30 on August 27, 1998, Solène was born, crying at the local clinic of Phuc Xuan commune, Thai Nguyen. Around 5:30 a.m. the next morning, her mother was no longer there.

Solène believed the mother's name is Tran Thi Hao and this year she would be about 44-45 years old). The mother is supposed to be a resident at in Thinh Dan commune (now renamed Quyet Thang commune, Thai Nguyen city, Thai Nguyen province). After the pregnancy, her mother left the medical station without leaving any information, so the doctors and nurses asked the police to intervene.

On December 23, 1998, Solène was only 4 months old when she left Vietnam as she was adopted by a French couple.

Since then, together with her new family, Solène lives in the peaceful land of Amiens (Somme, in Hauts-de-France, France) with the new name Solène Martel.

Growing up in a European society with Asian features, she went by her Vietnamese name "Thanh Xuan" (means Youthful Spring). Unfortunately in 2019, Solène was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome, a rare endocrine disorder.

This disease is so rare that only 40 to 70 people out of every million every year is diagnosed with it. The doctor also said that the disease may be inherited from relatives, which caused Solène to wonder if her biological mother also carried the disease.

“Ever since I was diagnosed, the disease has greatly affected my life and work, and I have spent most of my time fighting it. Perhaps sooner or later, people hope to find their roots at some point. For me, the disease makes me think this is the right time to find my mother in Vietnam. I am also worried that my mother has the same disease," said Solène.

Solène's way of remembering her Vietnamese identity: her Vietnamese name is tattooed on her wrists. Photo: Solene Martel

Once a mother, always a mother

Photograph of young Solène when in Vietnam. Photo: Solene Martel

Although the young woman does not know anything about her biological mother besides the fact that she left her after giving birth, Solène's heart tells her that she must find a way to meet again. As long as she lives and breathes, that wish will not die.

However, her journey has not been easy. Solène was told by her adoptive mother that when the police went to the commune to look for Tran Thi Hao (the name her mother gave to the clinic), no one had the same name.

After that, Solène was cared for by a nanny for about 4 months before her adoptive parents completed the procedures and brought them back to France. All papers about her date of birth was kept with care by her adoptive mother, but they did not give much information of the mother.

Solène did not speak any Vietnamese when she first started looking for her mother. Having only speak French, she contacted Vietnamese communities living in France for help by posting on social medias and asked people to share her story.

As if it was fate, Nathalie Bui (a Vietnamese expat living France) felt moved by Solène's story and decided to become her translator. Even though they face many difficulties in communicating because Solène could not speak Vietnamese, only French and some English, also they do not live in the same part of France, the two worked together online to spread the words.

"When I posted on Facebook groups to ask for people's help sharing my story or to see if anyone knows my mother, I feel like everyone wants me to find my real mother. Vietnamese people are so kind, their comments gave me hope. Although the information I have so far is not enough to find my mother, I have faith that that day will not be far away,' exclaimed Solène.

While is yearns to see her biological mother again, Solène is also thankful for the kindness of her adoptive parents. The adoptive mother adored Solène and her adopted sister, who is also Vietnamese.

Solène's adopted mother (middle) and Vietnamese adoptive sister (left). (Photo: Solène Martel

"My adopted parents always give me the best, My mother is always supportive and beside me whenever I have difficulties. I am really appreciate and be grateful for what my adoptive parents have given me and my sister. I also knew my sister wanted to find her long lost Vietnamese family too but somehow could not. That makes me want to find mine more, as a way to achieved a dream for both of us," said Solène.

Currently, Solène is in the process of treatment, so she takes a break from work and stays at home until she gets better. If it was not for the Cushing's disease, she would be living an exciting life, working and traveling around the world like she did 2 years ago. Still, the strong woman never gives up hope.

" In 2004, I came to Vietnam with my adoptive family when I was a child and in 2019, I returned during a trip with my best friends. I love Vietnam with all my heart. I plan to return to Vietnam after finishing the treatment process to find my mother. I often wonder if (my) mother is alive, if she is healthy and well," said Solène, staying hopeful for a reunion with her homeland in the neat future.

The story has gone viral on Vietnamese social networks, as many Viets wish to see the mother and daughter reunited.

Solène also told Vietnam Times that since she wanted to feel like a Vietnamese person, she has joined Facebook groups of Vietnamese adopted children in France and she wants to connect with more Vietnamese communities living in France.

Solène is a travel lover, she loves to explore the world when she gets better, including getting in touch with her Vietnamese root. Photo: Solène Martel

The young woman does not let her health get in the way of staying connected with her roots, and making more friends.

When asked about the progress of the online rummage, her friend - translator Natalie Bui, described Solène's excitement as "as hopeful as ever".

They received emails, messages and calls from countless sources, all with good intentions. Sometimes they are possible leads, sometimes they are just words of encouragement, but all feel like warm hugs and blessings for Solène and Natalie.

Young Solene when she is in Vietnam. Photo: Solene Martel

Solene with her caretaker after she left the clinic. Photo: Solene Martel

Another birth certificate of Solene Martel, registered on September 12 1998, stating her biological mother is Tran Thi Hao. Photo: Solene Martel

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