Lệ Lý Hayslip (born Phùng Thị Lệ Lý) is a living testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the power of humanity. Born in 1950 in Đà Nẵng, Việt Nam, Lệ Lý endured the harrowing tragedies of war during her early years. The Vietnam War left an indelible mark on her childhood, yet it also forged within her a profound strength and unwavering determination to heal and rebuild.

In 1970, she immigrated to the United States, carrying not only the scars of conflict but also the hope of a better future. Sixteen years later, Lệ Lý returned to her homeland, where she was devastated by the overwhelming poverty and destruction left in the war’s wake. Confronted by this stark reality, she vowed to dedicate her life to healing the wounds of war—both within herself and for others.

Lệ Lý’s story of transformation began with her two autobiographies: When Heaven and Earth Changed Places (1989) and Child of War, Woman of Peace (1993). These deeply personal accounts not only chronicled her journey from war-torn Việt Nam to peace advocate but also inspired millions worldwide. They provided a voice to the voiceless and became a beacon of hope for reconciliation and understanding.

In 1987, Lệ Lý took her commitment to the next level by founding the East Meets West Foundation (EMWF), one of the first organizations dedicated to rebuilding Việt Nam after the war. Through tireless effort and perseverance, she helped establish critical infrastructure in her homeland, including the Mother’s Love Health Clinic (1989), the Peace Village Medical Center and Evert School (1992), and the Village of Hope Orphanage (1993).

Under her leadership, EMWF became one of the largest and most impactful NGOs in Việt Nam, later expanding its operations to Cambodia, Laos, and five other countries.

Lệ Lý’s work gained international recognition when her memoirs inspired the acclaimed film Heaven and Earth (1993), directed by Oliver Stone. This cinematic adaptation amplified her message of peace and reconciliation, enabling her to expand her humanitarian efforts.

In 1999, Lệ Lý founded the Global Village Foundation (GVF), shifting her focus to empowering rural communities in Southeast Asia. With a particular emphasis on education, justice, and the empowerment of women and children, GVF embodied her lifelong mission to foster understanding and create sustainable change.

Over the years, Lệ Lý’s extraordinary efforts have garnered numerous accolades, including two medals from the Vietnamese government in 2009 and 2011, recognizing her decades of service and monumental contributions to her homeland. Her work has also facilitated healing for US and Vietnamese veterans, creating opportunities for reconciliation and understanding through acts of service and cultural exchange.

Now 75 (as of 2025), as the world marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and the 30th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam, Lệ Lý continues to lead by example. She remains intimately involved in GVF’s work, guiding the next generation of leaders—particularly the children in Việt Nam and the US—toward a better future.

Lệ Lý Hayslip’s journey is a profound reminder that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, the human spirit can rise to create a legacy of compassion, reconciliation, and hope. Her life’s work has built bridges across nations, inspired countless individuals to serve, and reminded us of the transformative power of giving.

As she transitions into a new chapter, her unwavering commitment to humanity continues to inspire a global community to act. Leading by example, she is donating her houses in the US and Việt Nam to become cultural study centers in Việt Nam. With kindness and purpose, the smallest acts of service can create ripples of profound change.


About "THE BAMBOO CAN BEND BUT NOT BREAK"

From the ashes of war to the heart of humanity, The Bamboo Can Bend but Not Break chronicles the extraordinary life and four-decade mission of Le Ly Hayslip—war survivor, peacebuilder, and humanitarian. Born amid the chaos of the Vietnam War, Le Ly rose from unimaginable hardship to become a bridge between nations, founding two major nonprofits that rebuilt schools, hospitals, and communities across Vietnam. Through intimate reflections and powerful photographs, she reveals how faith, forgiveness, and resilience transformed trauma into compassion, and how one woman’s unyielding spirit helped heal generations scarred by conflict. This inspiring volume is not only a testament to courage and service—it is a call to action for anyone seeking to live a life of purpose and peace.