In observance of International Rare Disease Day, the "Run for Rare Kids" race aims to raise community awareness and alleviate the financial burden on families with children suffering from rare diseases. Beyond sponsoring the event, AstraZeneca Vietnam also actively mobilized its employees and partners to register for this charitable run.
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Nguyen Luong Phong, external affairs director at AstraZeneca Vietnam, spoke at the event on 1/3. Photo: Nga Thanh
Nguyen Luong Phong, external affairs director at AstraZeneca Vietnam, stated that throughout its 30-year journey alongside Vietnam's healthcare sector, the company has always believed that scientific innovation is only meaningful when it reaches patients.
"We are embarking on a journey of empathy with the belief that no patient should be left behind. Each step we run today is not just a physical activity but a journey of love, creating more hope for these children. We commit to continuing our support for patients to access the most advanced treatment therapies", Phong said.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, there are currently over 6,000 types of rare diseases globally, affecting approximately 300 million people. In Vietnam, this figure stands at about 6 million people, with 58% being children. Most rare diseases are genetic, requiring lifelong treatment with high costs that often exceed many families' financial capacity.
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Miss HHen Nie accompanies the run. Photo: Tung Dinh
A representative from the Hope Foundation shared at the event, likening the journey of families with sick children to an endless marathon. "It is a relentless race through hospitals to find the correct diagnosis; it is the exhaustion of paying for prescriptions costing billions of dong; it is the loneliness within a community that does not truly understand. However, through this race, the power of sharing will bring a ray of hope to these children", the representative expressed.
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The race with the support of doctors and students. Photo: Nga Thanh
The "Run for Rare Kids" race is being held virtually on the vRace platform from 28/2 to 31/3. Participants can run or walk anywhere, with flexible timing. Results are automatically recorded via mobile devices.
Each individual registering to participate contributes a fee of 100,000 VND. The organizing committee pledges to dedicate all proceeds directly to cover examination and treatment costs for child patients through the Sun of Hope program. Upon completion of the race, finishers will receive a medal, an electronic certificate, and various awards for outstanding individuals and teams.
The event has also garnered participation from other partners: WellCare CS Group Vietnam Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Joint Stock Company, National Children's Hospital, FPT Polytechnic College, FPT For Community Fund, and FPT Long Chau.
Register for the virtual run for children living with rare diseases here.
Supporting children living with rare diseases and disadvantaged child patients in general is an activity within the Sun of Hope program. Each additional contribution from the community sends another ray of light to the country's future generation. Readers can support the program here:
Program name: Ten cua ban - Mat troi Hy vong
Program ID: 195961
Nga Thanh
