Staff at the Korea Leukemia & Child Cancer Foundation preparing masks for shipment. 

The Korea Leukemia & Child Cancer Foundation (KCLCF), the first specialized support organization for pediatric cancer in Korea, has urgently provided 210,000 masks to families of children with cancer who are suffering from mask shortages due to COVID-19.

Masks are essential for children with cancer, whose immune systems are weakened by chemotherapy, to protect themselves from external infections. In response to the increased demand for masks due to COVID-19 and the critical shortage faced by families of children with cancer, the KCLCF launched an urgent fundraising campaign through its website and Happy Bean at the end of February.

As soon as the fundraising began, donations poured in from all over the country. Inside a delivery box labeled "Harini's Family," a card read, "These masks were initially saved for our child, but we send them hoping they will be used precious for sick children." The box contained various types of children's masks, evoking deep emotion. In addition to this, donations have continued from many individuals, companies, and organizations, including composer Yiruma, actor Kim Woo-bin, Glosonic, Lam Research, singer Lee Seung-hwan's fans, and BTS fans.

Upon hearing the news of the urgent mask support, families of children with cancer expressed their gratitude on the KCLCF website, leaving comments such as, "We were very worried amidst the fear, and we are so thankful to everyone who has worked hard for our children with weak immune systems!" and "We are walking on thin ice, not knowing how each day passes, but thanks to you, we gain strength once again!"

Starting with the delivery of 75,000 masks to 995 families of children with cancer nationwide on March 4th, the KCLCF urgently provided a total of 210,000 masks, including 9,872 masks to pediatric cancer treatment hospitals on March 9th, 5,160 masks to children with cancer in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions on March 10th, 6,544 masks to pediatric cancer treatment hospitals on March 11th, and 115,440 masks to families of children with cancer nationwide on March 18th.

Companies and individuals who wish to support families of children with cancer experiencing difficulties in purchasing masks due to COVID-19 can practice sharing through the Korea Leukemia & Child Cancer Foundation.

About the Korea Leukemia & Child Cancer Foundation

The Korea Leukemia & Child Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization that has specialized in supporting children with leukemia and cancer since 1991. Through specialized support activities for children with cancer and their families, it aids in their treatment and social reintegration.

Website: https://www.kclf.org