An event to bring new life and happiness to children with heart disease was held in Namsan, Seoul, Korea, on May 1, 2005. On the first day of May when the drizzling rain added freshness to everything, families gathered one by one at the Namsan promenade filled with the fragrance of lilac. They gathered with the same determination for the slogan, “One More Step, One More Life,” to help children with heart disease. Sponsored by the Commission on Youth Protection, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Nesquik, Nestle Korea Ltd, and Sejong General Hospital, about 4,000 people, including Foundation members’ families and guests, attended this walkathon.
A Message of Hope to Children With Heart Disease
The New Life Family Walkathon is an annual event held by the New Life Welfare Foundation to help children with heart disease. It was first held in Namsan, Seoul on June 6, 2002, and this year marks its 6th walkathon. Ten children with heart disease, locally and internationally, have received new lives through the walkathon over the past three years.
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah explained the purpose of the 6th Walkathon, saying, “It is to help children with heart disease and incurable diseases as we come into May, the Family Month, and to build harmony among family members, and to deliver a message of hope to families in crisis.” Following the opening speech of the Chairman of the Save the Childre Lee Bae-geun, Director of the Child and Youth Activities of the Commission on Youth Protection Cha Jeong-seok delivered a congratulatory message. Director Cha hoped the walkathon to be a fun family festival to the members.
TV Announcer Park Min-jeong, who emceed the walkathon, announced the details of how the donations had been made through the New Life Walkathon and were being used and then introduced the families of the beneficiaries who were invited on this day. A nine-year-old child, who suffered from heart disease since she was four years old and had become healthier since receiving an operation in January, read a letter of gratitude in a mature sounding voice beyond her age. She said, “Now it is not hard for me to run. After this, I will also help many people who are in difficulties.”
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-Jah Appealed for Neighborly Love and Concern
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah gave a speech of encouragement, saying,
“Around the global village, countless families are suffering from large and small catastrophes such as the earthquakes and tsunami that occurred at the end of last year. Let’s soothe the pain of the victims who are living a hard life with their families destroyed, and help heal the wounds of those who have fallen into despair, suffering from an incurable disease of the mind.”
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah raised the awareness about children with heart disease and incurable diseases, and appealed for a greater show of love for our neighbors. Chief Director Lee Sang-dae of Save the Children Korea called upon everyone, saying, “Adults must do their best to help children grow up safe and respected.”
After the ceremony, all participants joined in on some simple stretching exercises and after Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s declaration of departure, started walking together. Lee Seong-gil, who had his daughter on his shoulders and holding his son’s hand, said, “I wasn’t able to be an affectionate dad to my children because I usually come home late, so it’s good our whole family can spend time together.” Member Lee Yeon-soon, who came with her husband and her 18-month-old baby in a stroller, said that she came, wanting to help the families of children suffering from disease in any way possible, and also said that after giving birth to her baby she came to understand the pain of parents who have sick children.
Families of Children Who Recovered From Their Heart Disease, Too, Participated
The military band of the Capital Defense Command was waiting at the finish line in Baekbeom Plaza. After finishing the walkathon with a lively performance from the military band, participants enjoyed time with their family, eating lunch they had prepared. Children had an exciting day, looking cool with face painting, taking pictures with character dolls, and playing with their friends.
The families of children with heart disease also made conversation with the Foundation members. The parent members were able to relate to the pain that the families of children with heart disease had had to suffer from fighting the disease, and to rejoice in unison for the children regaining their health. The families of children with heart disease said that they too would help others in any way they could from then on.
When we expand love from “my family” to “our neighbors,” the world will become a brighter place. The New Life Welfare Foundation will continue to take steps with love for its neighbors, wishing that the number of healthy children and happy families in the global village will increase.