12 Elephants and a Dragon
By Dr. Vi Tu Banh
with Marie Beswick Arthur
Fleeing Vietnam in a perilous ocean voyage, a young Vi Tu Banh and his family endured starvation, threats of violence, and wilderness survival on Air Raya in Indonesia and a refugee camp on Galang Island. But their story isn't one of despair; it's a testament to resilience and the kindness of strangers.
Settling in snowy Uxbridge, Ontario, Vi Tu Banh and his family rebuilt their lives, showcasing the transformative power of charity and goodwill.
From Vietnamese refugee to proud Canadian, Dr. Vi Tu Banh embodies the spirit of resilience, gratitude, and giving back.
Today, Dr. Vi Tu Banh serves as an optometrist, offering vital eye care to Uxbridge and beyond. His journey reminds us of the hope that endures even in the darkest times and the profound impact of extending a helping hand.
12 Elephants and a Dragon is more than a historical account—it's a gripping narrative shedding light on the resilience of ordinary people in the face of overwhelming adversity.
On my first day inside the shop, I’d seen a group of small, carved elephants in the window. Twelve of them. Each day, as I passed the shop’s window, they called to me. Why, when I’m not a souvenir kind of guy?
But something came over me. A landslide of an idea.
“I’ll take them all,” I said to the clerk.
“All the elephants?”
“All the elephants,” I replied.
“Twelve elephants,” said a dragon. I looked around; there was no one there but me and the salesperson.
"...a compelling story of fear and generosity, failure and success and the spirit of a young boy who grew into a pillar of the community which embraced his family. That boy/man is the author Vi Tu Banh. Vi Tu leads by example, always mindful of ‘paying forward’ and paying back the generosity extended by the community which embraced his family in their time of greatest need. Vi Tu is a Canadian who makes me proud of being born here. This is his story. It is a story that you must read. Reading it you will come to the realization that welcoming refugees is not an act of charity. Rather it is in our nation’s self-interest."
—Michael McLuhan
Composer, Executor, Estate of Marshall McLuhan
"12 Elephants and a Dragon is a captivating account of a wounded boy's journey to becoming a healer for the community that provided him a home. Dr. Banh's narrative, filled with bravery and honesty, is a poignant memoir that features unforgettable voices, rich symbolism, and most importantly, lessons that are highly relevant in today's world. His story is a timely and necessary addition to the literary landscape."
—Dr. Jennifer Wilson
Author, Grant Us Tomorrow: A Medical Memoir
About Dr. Banh
Dr. Vi Tu Banh is a living, breathing part of the diversity of Canada. He graciously serves patients in his Uxbridge, Ontario optometry clinic where he has become renowned for healing balance issues, stabilizing the effects of concussion, and addresses learning challenges by using state of the art technology and current vision therapy techniques.
In early 1980, Dr. Banh & his family were Vietnamese boat people, rescued by generous citizens of Uxbridge, Ontario after spending nine months on a deserted island called Air Raya in Indonesia.
When Vi Tu's father found a job in Toronto a year later, the family moved but the support from the community followed them. In 2001, Dr. Banh returned to Uxbridge to open an optometry practice to provide the best eye care possible for the people of Uxbridge, as a way of giving back & paying it forward.
Dr. Banh has a special interest in dry eye, neuro-visual optometry, and pediatric vision care. Since 2016, Dr. Banh has successfully treated hundreds of patients with concussion-like symptoms, using his innovative & unique V2 method of concussion treatment.
He lives near Uxbridge with his soulmate, Mamie. Invested in exploring higher consciousness, he is a philanthropist who enjoys an active physical life.
12 Elephants and a Dragon is his first book.
"In an epic journey across oceans and cultures, Vi Tu transports you into his immigrant family’s story with vivid details. From embracing adult responsibilities while still a young boy, to realizing his vision of becoming a doctor, the thread of his Buddhist wisdom—gratitude, love, and compassion—is woven throughout, guiding him as he pays it forward to positively affect one billion people. An uplifting page turner!"
—heidi hackler
Author, Food Mood Gratitude Journal
"...a deeply moving and inspiring story of resilience, hope, and community. Through the lens of a young boy’s journey from war-torn Vietnam to a new life in Canada, Dr. Bahn beautifully captures the strength of the human spirit and the kindness of strangers. This powerful memoir not only recounts the harrowing escape from Vietnam but also highlights the generosity of the Uxbridge families who helped them rebuild their lives. A must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt tale of courage, survival, and the transformative power of compassion."
—MAYOR DAVE BARTON
Uxbridge, Ontario
Writing Credits
12 Elephants and a Dragon has been co-created by Dr. Vi Tu Banh and Marie Beswick Arthur.
Marie writes to change the world. Her imagination changes ideas into art, and her ability to understand the voices of others allows her to help bring their stories to life.
Marie brings a unique aspect to the projects she master-crafts. In the beginning, Marie wrote over 200 Lifebooks for Children’s Services in Alberta, Canada. These truthful accounts in story form helped children in the system understand why they were removed from their biological parents.
Over the next three decades, Marie has collaborated on more than fifty published books, some of them award-winning. Of her solo work: she has received awards for poetry and a short story. Her debut novel, Listen For Water, published by Ingenium Books in 2022, received the 2022 Titan Literary Gold award. Future works are forthcoming. She mentors and writes from her heart which is flexibly and lovingly attached to Mexico, Canada, and the UK.
Available now (ebook, paperback, and audio) wherever you buy your books.
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