The Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF) launched a program on
Thursday in Beijing to help low-income children suffering from
nephropathy (a kidney disease) to get treatment.
The program, called "Headspring of Angels," will raise funds
from the public, said Liu Xuanguo, deputy secretary of the CRCF, at
the launching ceremony.
"The funds will be spent on surgery or treatment for affected
children below 14 years old," Liu said.
The foundation has already received donations totaling 900,000
yuan (about 120,000 U.S. dollars) from hospitals and pharmacy
companies. It plans to give 10,000 to 50,000 yuan each to 100
children this year, based on their health situation and family
finances, Liu said.
More than 2 million Chinese children aged from 2 to 14, out of
about 300 million, suffer from the disease. Most of them live in
rural or remote areas, according to Liu.
"Children from poor families may miss the best chance for
treatment because of high cost," he said. "This may lead to renal
failure, which requires dialysis or transplantation."
Liu called on the public to donate to the fund.
The CRCF has launched similar programs to help children
suffering from leukemia and brain disorders.
(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2008)