The last few days have been emotional, exhilarating, and affirming for us: we have watched donations, words of love, and acts of service pour in from all around the world in support of Sangwon Suh and his family. In under 24 hours, we reached our initial goal of 1.5 million HKD to help cover hospital bills, medical supplies, physical therapy, childcare expenses, and to help buy their family time to plan for the future amidst so much uncertainty. Even people who have never met Sangwon or had him as a teacher responded with overwhelming generosity. Once that first goal was reached, our community did not stop. Between the Simplygiving and direct donations, you all helped us raise over 2 million HKD. Some additional good news was that Sangwon’s medical and housing benefits have been extended through July 31, 2024, the end of the school year!

Friday morning, as we watched the number tick upwards, friends and faculty were crying, hugging, and celebrating the huge impact that Sangwon has made in his time teaching at HKIS. Stories were shared on social media or in the donation notes of his witticisms, his care, and the way he shaped the trajectories of his students' lives. As teachers, we often view our students’ growth into adulthood and their numerous accomplishments from afar, guessing at our impact. It's part of the job: We are what they grow beyond. But the love and care and kindness Sangwon put into his professional life—into all of the students he reached—returned to him in his time of need. “Our hearts are full this morning,” said one Humanities teacher.

Ashley, Sangwon’s wife, wishes to express how thankful she is for the love and support. “Sangwon is more popular than I thought,” she quipped. For those who know Sangwon, know that his humor may only be outmatched by that of his adoring wife. DongGun and Arin, his son and daughter, have also enjoyed reading the letters and messages from the community about their dad’s impact.

We will continue to raise money to help the Suh family on Simplygiving and will have additional information and programs closer to Christmas, as new needs emerge or are clarified. So watch this space; but we wanted to say, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all that you’ve done and all that you’ve given.  

Sangwon update: This week, he had his tracheostomy tube removed and he is now able to breathe unassisted. He’s also begun to have more rigorous physical therapy which includes core-and-neck strengthening exercises of being sat up in a chair for the first time in months. “One percent better every day,” as Ashley likes to say.

Note: We are looking for a Hong Kong-based financial planner with experience navigating catastrophic circumstances. If you know of someone great, please DM us so we can pass the information along to Ashley.