Over four months, from 28/2 to 30/6, a campaign spearheaded by the Hope Fund – VnExpress newspaper in collaboration with vRace, and supported by AstraZeneca, WellCare CS Group Vietnam, and various medical units and businesses, successfully raised nearly 800 million VND. All funds collected are dedicated to assisting children living with rare diseases.

Rare diseases pose a significant challenge for healthcare systems globally and in Vietnam. Diagnosis often takes an extended period, and treatment costs frequently exceed the financial capabilities of most families with child patients. The Hope Fund has already provided assistance to eight child patients facing exceptionally difficult circumstances, easing their economic burden during challenging times, and pledges continued support for children with rare diseases in the future.

Among the beneficiaries is Vy Anh, six years old, from TP HCM. She suffers from Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder caused by a GAA gene mutation that leads to glycogen accumulation, damaging muscles and the heart. Vy Anh requires lifelong enzyme replacement therapy. Each treatment session currently costs over 200 million VND, amounting to approximately 4 billion VND annually.

Due to Vy Anh's severe respiratory failure, her mother, Ngoc Quyen, had to borrow money to purchase a used ventilator and supplementary medical equipment to care for her daughter at home. "The financial support from the race helps our family cover the costs of consumables and medicines not covered by insurance", Quyen stated.

The Internal Audit Department of Electricity Finance Joint Stock Company (EVF) and the Hope Fund provide sponsorship to a family with a child suffering from a rare disease.

At Hue Central Hospital, Trang A Phu, 39 years old, a Hmong ethnic minority from Lao Cai, is also enduring a prolonged battle with rare malignant blood cancer alongside his 15-year-old son, Trang Seo Chua.

Phu previously borrowed 50 million VND from relatives to pay for gene analysis tests and specialized non-insured medications, but these funds were exhausted. Currently, in addition to the hospital's social work department support, the funds allocated from the race provide Phu with crucial assistance to continue his son's long-term treatment journey. "I am saving the supported money to buy more milk and medicine for my son", Phu said.

Doctor Mai Thi Ven, 48 years old, who works at Tan Hung Regional Medical Center in Tay Ninh province, was an active runner in the race. She highlighted that the event was not just about personal training but also an opportunity to spread empathy and community responsibility.

Staff and doctors at the National Children's Hospital receive rewards from the race.

Beyond Doctor Ven, the race garnered significant support from numerous doctors, lecturers, students, and running clubs, including the National Children's Hospital, FPT Polytechnic College, FPT For Community Fund, FPT Long Chau, and the Super Night Run endurance community. Over 250,000 km were recorded by participants. The campaign also benefited from the companionship and outreach efforts of Miss H'Hen Nie and musician Hua Kim Tuyen throughout its duration.

"I know everyone has a different way to contribute to the community and engage in suitable physical activity. By registering for the race, you have joined hands with Hope to alleviate the financial worries of mothers with children suffering from rare diseases", Miss H'Hen Nie remarked.

Program name: Your Name - Sun of Hope

Program ID: 22966

By Thanh Nga