Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital Holds Cure Celebration for Pediatric Cancer, Leukemia, and Rare Diseases

At Yeomi Hall of Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital on the 16th, medical staff including Hospital Director Min Jeongjun and Pediatric Professor Kook Hoon, along with sponsors, are awarding commemorative medals to 28 children who have been cured at the '25th Pediatric Cancer, Leukemia, and Rare Disease Cure Celebration.' Provided by Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital

Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital announced on the 18th that it held the 25th Pediatric Cancer, Leukemia, and Rare Disease Cure Celebration, commemorating the courage of children who overcame long and difficult treatment journeys and the dedication of their families.

This event was a warm celebration to congratulate 28 children who have fully recovered, regained their health and smiles after overcoming their battles with illness, and to honor the dedication of their families and medical staff who stood by their side.

The children who were celebrated at the event included those who officially completed their treatment this year, as well as patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplants last year and have now reached a stable stage of recovery after more than a year.

The event was held in two parts. In the first part, Min Jeongjun, Director of Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, and Lee Jihyun, Superintendent of Hwasun Office of Education, delivered words of encouragement and congratulations, applauding the children's courageous journeys.

Director Min Jeongjun said, "Your courage and perseverance in fighting illness over such a long period are truly moving in themselves. I hope the memory of overcoming this time will become a lifelong source of strength and a guiding light in your lives."

During the presentation of recovery stories, firefighter Guk Museung took the stage to share his experience. Having been diagnosed with malignant lymphoma in first grade and treated at Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, he said, "The treatment process was the most difficult time in my life, but overcoming it shaped who I am today. Everyone standing here already has the strength to accomplish anything. Do not hesitate as you move forward, and remember the courage you have shown today."

Additionally, stories shared directly by the children and their families about overcoming illness and moving toward hope resonated deeply with attendees. The awards ceremony for the 16th "Hope Through Dreams Writing Contest," in which children expressed their stories and dreams through writing and art incorporated into watch designs, was also held. Scholarships were presented by the charity organization Gibuchunsa and the hospital church, further supporting the children's new beginnings.

Professor Kim Boram of the Department of Pediatrics introduced the children who had fully recovered, and a commemorative medal ceremony was held. The medical staff personally awarded the recovery medals to the children, and everyone blew out the candles on the celebratory cake together.

In the second part of the event, students from Seojin Girls' High School performed as a band, and the children showcased their talents, filling the auditorium with laughter and applause. The bright expressions of the children on stage left a lasting impression on the attendees, like spring after a long winter.

This celebration was organized by the Department of Pediatrics and the Social Work Team of Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, with support from the Hwasun Office of Education and related organizations. On this day, as everyone celebrated the children's bright smiles and new beginnings, the attendees united in wishing the children a future filled with hope.

Professor Guk Hoon of the Department of Pediatrics said, "When first diagnosed, the children and their families experienced great fear, but they endured to the end by finding hope in one another. This celebration is an opportunity to thank the children for overcoming that time and to cheer them on as they embark on a new start."

Meanwhile, since 2006, Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital has been operating the "Yeomi Sarang Hospital School" in collaboration with the Jeollanam-do Office of Education for children who have difficulty attending regular classes due to hospitalization. Children who face challenges attending school because of long-term treatment are able to participate in various therapeutic programs and make up for missed classes at the hospital school.