10 Million Won Donated to Four Beneficiaries
Support Provided for Patients with Severe Illnesses and Families in Need
On July 10, Hanmi Group announced that, together with pharmacists and medical professionals nationwide, it had delivered donations to neighbors struggling with severe illnesses such as short bowel syndrome, liver cancer, breast cancer, and cerebral infarction.
This fundraising effort was carried out through Hanmi Group’s social contribution program, “Big Heart PLUS.” Through a communication channel on Hanmi Group’s pharmaceutical portal “HMP,” pharmacists and medical professionals could directly propose beneficiaries in need of help and voluntarily participate in donations.
A variety of stories were submitted. After a review of eligibility, support was provided to liver and breast cancer patients facing difficulties even in maintaining their livelihoods, a large family caring for an elderly mother suffering from cerebral infarction, and “Toseongi,” a youth with the rare disease short bowel syndrome.
The selected stories included: ▲The tears of a liver cancer patient living alone in a nursing hospital (Professor Yoo Sujong, Department of Gastroenterology, Seoul National University Hospital); ▲The inescapable financial hardship of a breast cancer patient (Pharmacist Seo Miwon, GT Tower Pharmacy, Seocho-gu, Seoul); ▲A helping hand for a large family (Director Ahn Jaehong, Seobuseongmo Clinic, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul); ▲Toseongi’s dream of becoming a special effects makeup artist despite short bowel syndrome (Pharmacist Heejeong Yoon, Dasarang Pharmacy, Songpa-gu, Seoul).
In particular, the story of “Toseongi” (an alias), a teenager who continues to pursue a dream of becoming a special effects makeup artist while living with the rare disease short bowel syndrome, received the most encouragement and participation from donors.
Toseongi, who was born with a congenital condition, has undergone multiple surgeries and had a significant portion of the small intestine removed. As a result, proper nutrient absorption is difficult, and growth is delayed compared to peers. Although ongoing treatment and nutritional management are necessary, economic hardship at home led to a discontinuation of treatment. The only guardian, Toseongi’s mother, is unable to work or even leave the house due to several health issues.
Pharmacist Heejeong Yoon of Dasarang Pharmacy, who introduced Toseongi’s story, said, “I am happy to be able to help neighbors in need in the community together with Hanmi. I hope that the spirit of making a positive impact in the community will continue in the future.”
Through the program, a total of 10 million won in donations, raised by about 600 people including doctors, pharmacists, and Hanmi Group employees, was delivered to four neighbors in need. Social workers from Hanmi Group will provide practical support such as living expenses, medical expenses, and educational expenses tailored to each beneficiary’s situation through individual counseling.
A Hanmi Science representative said, “It is meaningful to put into practice Hanmi’s management philosophy of ‘respect for humanity’ and to support the local community. Hanmi Group will continue to fulfill its social responsibilities together with pharmaceutical professionals and sincerely strive to bring warmth and hope to neighbors in need.”
Meanwhile, Hanmi Pharmaceutical is working to bring new hope to patients suffering from short bowel syndrome like Toseongi by developing treatments that can improve quality of life. Hanmi is developing “Sonepeglutide,” the world’s first once-monthly formulation for short bowel syndrome, and is currently conducting global Phase 2 clinical trials.
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