Professor Heo Yoonjung of Dankook University Hospital Donates 10 Million Won to Support Children and Adolescents Bereaved by Suicide

Royalties from "Because I Want to Save Again" Donated to the Korea Life Respect Hope Foundation

The Korea Life Respect Hope Foundation announced on September 9 that Professor Heo Yoonjung, a trauma surgeon at Dankook University Hospital Regional Trauma Center, donated 10 million won from the royalties of her book "Because I Want to Save Again." The entire donation will be used for the "Kkumjaram" program, a hope support project for children and adolescents bereaved by suicide.

Professor Heo Yoonjung of Dankook University Hospital Regional Trauma Center (left) is posing for a commemorative photo with Hwang Taeyeon, Chairman of the Korea Life Respect Foundation, after donating 10 million won from her royalty earnings. Korea Life Respect Hope Foundation

The Kkumjaram program, which the foundation has operated since 2017, is its flagship donation initiative. It provides scholarships, living expenses, and medical treatment costs to children and adolescents facing psychological and financial hardship due to the suicide of a family member, supporting their growth and recovery. To date, a total of 257 families have received scholarship support through the program.

The motivation for this donation came from Professor Heo's book, "Because I Want to Save Again," an essay chronicling 24 hours at the trauma center. The book vividly portrays the stories of severe trauma patients and those who have attempted suicide. Her records of saving patients on the boundary between life and death remind readers of the value of respecting life and leave a profound impression.

Professor Heo had expressed her intention to donate from the time of the book's publication, and the book has received steady support from readers, reaching its third printing this year. She stated, "I hope the proceeds from the book will help those in despair find the strength to live again," and added, "I want to continue making a positive impact so that our society upholds the value of respecting life."

Hwang Taeyeon, Chairman of the Foundation, said, "Professor Heo's donation is a meaningful act that demonstrates the importance of suicide prevention and spreading a culture of respect for life," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure the donation provides real support for the growth and recovery of children bereaved by suicide."