Sassy Supports: The Adventist Hospital Foundation

We check out The Adventist Hospital Foundation in this month’s Sassy Supports. The charity organisation works tirelessly to provide funds to patients who need medical treatment they can’t afford.

Hopefully we speak for many when we say that being sick sucks! Though you do get time to catch up on seasons of your favourite TV show and lounge around all day in your pyjamas, it’s not fun feeling weak or being held back from doing something you want to do. Luckily, we only have feelings of discomfort for relatively short amounts of time thanks to quick and easy access to advanced medicine and treatment. However, there are many patients with more critical needs than the flu who need a helping hand in receiving proper medical treatment.

This is where The Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation comes into the picture. Jo Soo Tang, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation (and happens to be a That Mama) brought our attention to the wonderful work they are doing, providing for those in need of financial medical assistance. We cannot imagine being in such a vulnerable position, and hopefully there will be a smaller number every year who are. Read on to find out how you can lend a helping hand!

What do they do?
Established in 1999, the Foundation has the mission to assist and support primarily child patients, in Hong Kong, Mainland China and throughout Asia who need medical treatment, but lack the financial ability to consider proper help. Many funds have been set up within its Charity Outreach Programmes, which provide financial assistance for patients, including the Adventist Pediatric Heart Fund, Cancer Fund, Children’s Hearing Fund etc. In 2010, it expanded to Nepal where otological surgery (a type of ear operation) was made available for local children and adults.

The money received from donations and sponsorships have helped make life-changing operations such as cochlear implants and heart transplants possible. Ms. Tang made sure to credit the kind-hearted doctors, specialists and surgeons who put in extraordinary amounts of effort and time. It was amazing to hear that more than 300 families have benefitted from the Adventist Paediatric Heart Fund alone! You can read more about the unique lives that have been touched and transformed, just remember to grab a tissue first!

How does the Foundation gain support from the public?
There are regular events organised to increase awareness of the patients’ needs and raise funds for the underprivileged patients, all done through participating in fun activities and events. In April 2015, the “Hoops for Hope” event was held where participants attempted to set a new World Record for the most basketball layups made in 12 hours. Healthy living full of exercise is definitely something to promote as well! Their most recent event was The Women of Hope Awards, held at The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The awards ceremony was held to honour eight of Hong Kong’s successful and influential women who have tirelessly answered to calls for social justice for women, children and the community. Never underestimate what women can do, as a Sassy reader, you should know that by now!

Can I get involved?
Definitely! You are free to join or volunteer at the events they hold throughout the year, whether it be at a charity run or shooting hoops marathon. Donations and sponsorships are greatly appreciated and will directly benefit those in need of assistance. Alternatively, you can purchase some of their beautifully designed bracelets and T-shirts, of which all profits go towards the Foundation (even we want to pick up a few ourselves!).

You can also find out about what the Foundation is currently doing from their seasonal newsletters. Follow their Facebook page and/or Instagram to stay updated on the most recent happenings!