On 14 April 2026, at Vietnam National Children’s Hospital, the Hospital Trade Union held an award ceremony for the online running challenge “Run for Rare Kids – Supporting Children Living with Rare Diseases” in a formal and warm atmosphere. The program honored and recognized the efforts, contributions, and outstanding achievements of the Hospital’s staff who participated in the race, while also spreading compassion and social responsibility within the community.
Representatives of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital leadership, the Hope Foundation, and a large number of Hospital staff attended the program.
“Run for Rare Kids – Supporting Children Living with Rare Diseases” is a meaningful activity organized by the Hope Foundation (VnExpress) in collaboration with FPT Group from 28 February to 31 March 2026. The race aims to raise funds to support children with rare diseases—patients who often require prolonged treatment, face high costs, and need sustained support from families and society. The program also helps raise community awareness of rare diseases, most of which affect children.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Phan Huu Phuc, MD—Deputy Director of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital—expressed sincere thanks to the Hope Foundation and partner organizations, and acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of staff across the Hospital. Although this was the Hospital’s first time participating in a large-scale online running challenge, the team achieved an excellent result, winning First Prize overall—demonstrating solidarity and a shared commitment to supporting pediatric patients.
He also emphasized that, as a national tertiary referral center, the Hospital receives many children with rare diseases, yet treatment costs remain high and access to medications remains limited. Therefore, programs such as “Run for Rare Kids – Supporting Children Living with Rare Diseases” have practical significance, helping provide support and expand treatment opportunities for pediatric patients.
Dr. Phan Huu Phuc thanked partner organizations, acknowledged the staff’s strong engagement, and highlighted the program’s practical value in supporting children with rare diseases.
Representing the Hope Foundation, Mr. Pham Anh Minh—Strategic Manager, Hope Foundation (VnExpress)—highly appreciated the active participation of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital. “We truly value the image of healthcare professionals who, despite their busy schedules, still took part in the race to accompany pediatric patients and spread humane values,” he shared.
The Hope Foundation representative also affirmed continued partnership and resource mobilization to better support children with rare diseases, and presented a letter of appreciation and commemorative gifts to Vietnam National Children’s Hospital.
In her remarks, Ms. Bui Thi Thuy, PhD—Chair of the Hospital Trade Union—said that immediately after receiving the call for participation, the Trade Union promptly launched the campaign, closely coordinated with the Hospital Youth Union, and received strong support from staff members. She emphasized that the race not only promotes physical fitness but also spreads a spirit of sharing toward pediatric patients in difficult circumstances, and expressed hope that the movement will be sustained and expanded in the future.
Ms. Bui Thi Thuy highlighted the program’s role in promoting fitness and compassion, and expressed hope for continued expansion.
After more than one month of implementation, Phase 1 of the race concluded with many positive highlights of sportsmanship and solidarity. In response to the program, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital had more than 200 staff members participate, covering a total distance of 13,812 km. Doctors and nurses made time to train early in the morning, after duty shifts, or outside working hours; the movement also spread to families and the wider community. With these results, the Hospital won First Prize overall, reflecting unity, responsibility, and the medical team’s companionship with pediatric patients.
A representative of the Hope Foundation presented the First Prize overall award to Vietnam National Children’s Hospital.
Within the framework of the ceremony, the Organizing Committee honored the Top 3 outstanding runners—individuals who not only achieved excellent results but also strongly promoted sportsmanship and compassion. Awardees included:
- Nguyen Quang Hieu – Department of Medical Equipment and Supplies – Trade Union Group 3
- Le Xuan Tung – Executive Committee Member of the Trade Union; Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital; The Center for Direction of Healthcare Activities – Trade Union Group 16
- Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao – Department of Hematology – Trade Union Group 10
The Organizing Committee awarded prizes to the Top 3 outstanding runners.
In addition, many exemplary individuals were recognized. Notably, Dr. Tran Van Hoc, MD—former Chair of the Hospital Trade Union—received an honorary award for achieving 240 km, demonstrating perseverance and a strong sense of responsibility toward the mission of child healthcare.
Dr. Tran Van Hoc, MD—former Chair of the Hospital Trade Union—received an honorary award for achieving 240 km.
Athletes ranked in the Top 10 and Top 50 also received commemorative gifts in recognition of their contributions to the Hospital’s overall achievement.
A participant representative shared that the most meaningful aspect was not individual performance but the opportunity to contribute, in a small way, to supporting children with rare diseases. At the close of the ceremony, the Organizing Committee expressed sincere appreciation for the coordination of partner units, the strong participation of athletes, and the enthusiastic engagement of all staff. These contributions were key to the success of the race. Vietnam National Children’s Hospital’s First Prize overall further affirmed the collective’s solidarity, social responsibility, and profound humanitarian values.
Through their steady steps, healthcare professionals not only fulfilled their clinical duties but also spread a spirit of sharing—providing motivation and hope for pediatric patients in their fight against disease.
The “Run for Rare Kids” race on the vRace platform will continue through 30 June, providing the community with an opportunity to continue participating and supporting children in difficult circumstances. With a registration fee of VND 100,000, all proceeds will be contributed to the Hope Foundation to support treatment costs for children with rare diseases.
Digital Information Office – Training and Research Institute for Child Health
