Asan Medical Center Invites 60 Children with Serious Diseases and Their Families to Lotte World in Seoul for a Family Outing

‘Our Heroes’ Event Held with HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation and ChildFund Korea to Support Children Battling Serious Illnesses

Medical Staff Join the Outing to Create Special Memories: “We Hope Today’s Happy Memories Help the Children Grow Healthier and Brighter”

▲ A commemorative photo of Lee Ye Sol and her family with the medical staff from Asan Medical Center who participated in “Our Heroes.” (From left) Lee Ye Sol’s father, Professor Sung Han Kang of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Lee Ye Sol, Nurse Eun Ock Lee, and Lee Ye Sol’s mother.

Children with serious illnesses and their families, who have endured difficult treatments and long periods of illness, enjoyed a special day together at an amusement park. The children rode amusement park attractions, watched a parade, and made precious memories with their families, enjoying an outing they had put off during their treatment.

Ahead of the Chuseok holiday, Asan Medical Center invited 60 children with serious illnesses, including pediatric cancer, and their families to Lotte World in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on September 22 for a special day out. The event was part of “Our Heroes,” a social contribution initiative organized in collaboration with Asan Medical Center, HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation, and ChildFund Korea to support children with serious illnesses.

‘Our Heroes’ is a social contribution initiative for children who have overcome or are undergoing treatment for serious illnesses, including pediatric cancer. The initiative embodies the message of supporting these young heroes who have fought against illness for a long time.

The Our Heroes initiative was launched in May. At the time, around 40 children with pediatric cancer and their families spent two special days and one night in Ulsan. They had the opportunity to step outside the hospital and experience industrial and sports activities that they would not normally have access to, including a tour of the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding facilities, and a professional soccer match featuring Ulsan HD FC.

▲ A commemorative photo of Seol Yu Na (second from left) and her family at Lotte World Magic Island on September 22 during the “Our Heroes” event.

This Our Heroes event was centered around a day at an amusement park. The children and their families enjoyed various rides at Lotte World, including the Viking and carousel, and took photos throughout the park to create lasting memories. They also visited the aquarium and Seoul Sky observatory, enjoying simple yet precious moments of everyday life that had been put on hold during treatment.

HD Hyundai 1% Nanum Foundation fully covered the cost of admission to Lotte World Adventure, the aquarium, and Seoul Sky, as well as meals and souvenirs, so that the children and their families could enjoy the outing more comfortably.

Professor Sung Han Kang of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital and Nurse Eun Ock Lee of the Pediatric Palliative Care Team also joined the event. Having closely supported the children throughout their treatment, the medical staff spent time with the children and their families outside the hospital and helped ensure they could safely enjoy the outing.

The event reflects Asan Medical Center’s commitment to being a patient centered hospital that cares for patients beyond their treatment. It was designed to give children who have had limited opportunities to enjoy everyday activities such as attending school, spending time with peers, and going on family outings due to long term treatment a chance to share joyful experiences with their families and take time for emotional recovery. It also aimed to support the entire family, including parents and siblings who have endured the long treatment journey alongside the children.

Professor Sung Han Kang of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Asan Medical Center said, “At the hospital, our focus is on treatment, so it is not often that we get to see the children run around freely and enjoy everyday life with their families. As a member of their medical team, I was very happy to see them smiling and having fun at the amusement park today. I hope the children, who have endured long and difficult treatments, will draw strength from the happy memories they made with their families today and continue to grow healthier and brighter.”