OO-EIN

"I first met Oo-Ein in November of 2012. Her teacher, having learned of Oo-Ein’s cerebral palsy, had been carrying Oo-Ein to school on her back. Oo-Ein was unable walk to school or even sit-up at her school desk, so her teacher would strap her to her chair just so that Oo-Ein could listen in on class lectures. Once Oo-Ein started attending school, her situation became known, and she was relocated to Pyongyang Medical School’s Pediatric Ward to begin therapy.

Therapy was difficult for ten year-old Oo-Ein.  As she was unable to move her arms and legs the way she wanted to, there were many distressing times during therapy, and she cried often. But, Oo-Ein would not give up on her dream. She dreamt of attending school regularly like other active children.  Because of her commitment to this dream, Oo-Ein endured her difficult therapy. With this positive attitude, Oo-Ein not patiently endured therapy but also received two surgeries during her stay in the hospital.

After the passing of one year, Oo-Ein was finally able to walk on her own. She learned how to sing and even draw. In October of 2013, Oo-Ein was discharged from Pyongyang Medical School Hospital’s Pediatric Ward and achieved her dream of attending school. Now, Oo-Ein no longer needs to be carried by her teacher to school; she walks to school, together, with her classmates. Oo-Ein has achieved her dream!

Oo-Ein now has a new dream. She has verbally confessed her desire to become a doctor, just like the ones who treated her, to help other hurting children. Her desire is to give hope to other children, like her, so that they, too, can achieve their dreams.

Just one year prior, Oo-Ein was unable to attend school on her own. Now, Oo-Ein has a new, even bigger dream. Will Oo-Ein be able to achieve her new dream? Children like Oo-Ein are more than just patients, they are children on the road to discovering who they are. This is a road that they cannot travel alone."  

— Dr. Stephen Yoon