Sharing 0700 – For Dad will be broadcast on EBS1TV at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, November 9.
Dad needs kidney transplant surgery
Son sheds tears due to father’s deteriorating health
Dad Won-yong (53) suffers from end-stage renal failure. Mr. Won-yong, who has been receiving dialysis for five years, is suffering from diabetes and liver cirrhosis in addition to kidney failure, and his condition is getting worse. Ye-chan (17), who even fell unconscious several times, checks on his father’s physical condition every morning. Mr. Won-yong is currently in urgent need of a kidney transplant, but the surgery is not easy due to the shortage of kidney donors compared to the number of people waiting for transplant. Even if he can undergo the surgery, he is at a loss due to the high cost. Yechan spends her days filled with worry, shedding tears as she watches her father’s health deteriorate.
As the restaurant goes bankrupt, my health collapses, and all that’s left is a pile of debt.
Currently, my father has had several leg surgeries due to complications from diabetes, and he has difficulty moving, including falling over at even the slightest incline. Because of this, even if they want to work, economic activities are difficult and they constantly worry about living expenses and hospital expenses. When Ye-chan was young, her father, Won-yong, went to work in good health. The family’s situation deteriorated rapidly as they started a restaurant and had to close it due to poor management. In no time, I was in debt, and my father Won-yong’s diabetes worsened. Eventually, he had to undergo kidney dialysis, and his physical condition gradually worsened. Yechan, whose grades were good enough to be ranked 3rd or 4th in the school in middle school, said that his grades dropped significantly when he came to high school, probably due to the fear of losing his father, which made him unable to focus on his studies. Dad Won-yong is suffering and blaming himself because he feels like this whole difficult situation is his fault.
So that Yechan’s father can receive a kidney transplant surgery.
Please give us your love
Yechan, a freshman in high school, has grown up much more mature than her peers, taking care of household chores such as laundry and dishes as well as meals after her father got sick. Recently, Mr. Won-yong’s condition has not improved despite dialysis three times a week, so he is having to receive dialysis on weekends on an increasing number of days. Yechan supports his father on the weekends, accompanies him to the hospital, and takes care of him with utmost sincerity. He says that if he can save his father, he would like to take one of his kidneys and give it to him. Mr. Won-yong is thankful for Ye-chan, but at the same time, he is heartbroken because he feels like he has put a burden on Ye-chan because of his illness… Dad safely received kidney transplant surgery, and Ye-chan is back with a bright smile. We ask for your interest and love so that we can find it.
EBS’ representative social contribution program that supports neighbors in need by collecting donations of 3,000 won per currency. . Episode 739 to be broadcast at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024 The episode tells the story of Won-yong, a father suffering from end-stage renal failure, and 17-year-old Ye-chan, who lovingly takes care of his sick father.
Photo EBS ‘Nanum0700’
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Time.news Interview: The Personal Struggles Behind Kidney Transplant Needs
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we have a very special guest, Dr. Kim Seo-jin, an expert in renal medicine and transplantation. We’re here to discuss the deeply personal story of Won-yong and his son Ye-chan, who are facing tremendous challenges due to end-stage renal failure. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kim.
Dr. Kim Seo-jin: Thank you for having me. It’s a privilege to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The situation of Mr. Won-yong is heartbreaking. He’s been dealing with complications for years now — not just kidney failure, but also diabetes and liver cirrhosis. Can you explain the broader impact chronic health conditions like these have on patients and their families?
Dr. Kim: Absolutely. Chronic illnesses don’t just affect the patients physically; they ripple out into every aspect of a family’s life. Financial strain is often significant, especially if working capacity decreases. In cases like Mr. Won-yong’s, where multiple illnesses converge, we see a compounded effect: managing one condition can exacerbate another. This creates an emotional toll as family members, like his son Ye-chan, face anxiety and helplessness, as well as the fear of losing a loved one.
Editor: That’s a powerful insight. Ye-chan mentions feeling unable to focus on his studies due to the worry about his father’s health. How common is this affect on family dynamics in similar situations?
Dr. Kim: It’s very common. The psychological stress on family members can lead to a decline in academic performance, social isolation, and even mental health issues. Young individuals often find themselves becoming caregivers at a very early age, which not only distracts them from their studies but can also lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy if they perceive themselves as failing to help.
Editor: It’s evident that the family is trapped in a cycle of health and financial crises. The article mentions their failed restaurant venture. How do socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes in patients requiring transplants?
Dr. Kim: Socioeconomic status plays a crucial role in health. Families who struggle financially may face barriers in accessing proper healthcare, including routine check-ups, medications, and ultimately necessary procedures like transplants. This can lead to worse health outcomes and increased mortality. Additionally, the costs associated with dialysis or transplant surgeries can be insurmountable, leading families to make difficult choices that affect their wellbeing.
Editor: Thank you for that comprehensive explanation. Regarding Mr. Won-yong’s urgent need for a kidney transplant, there’s also the challenge of donor shortages. Can you shed some light on the transplant process and the importance of organ donation?
Dr. Kim: The organ transplant process can be incredibly tough, not just for the patients needing transplants, but also for the healthcare system. There is a significant shortage of donors, which means patients often wait for years, and in that time, their health can deteriorate severely. Awareness around organ donation is essential; promoting a culture of giving can help bridge this gap. Education about the impact of organ donation can encourage more individuals to consider registering as donors.
Editor: Ye-chan’s grief is palpable as he witnesses his father’s health decline. In situations like these, what support systems are available for families facing similar issues?
Dr. Kim: There are several support systems in place, including counseling services, support groups for patients and families, and community resources that offer financial assistance and education about managing chronic illnesses. It’s vital for families to seek these resources; they can provide both emotional solace and practical help in navigating their challenging circumstances.
Editor: Dr. Kim, your insights are invaluable, and they highlight the need for a broader societal conversation about health, care, and support systems. What do you think can be done to improve awareness and support for families facing conditions like those of Mr. Won-yong?
Dr. Kim: Increasing public awareness about both the importance of organ donation and the challenges faced by families of patients with chronic illnesses is key. Advocacy for healthcare reforms that address accessibility and financial burdens can make a significant difference. Additionally, fostering community-based programs to assist families dealing with these often-silent struggles can create a more supportive environment.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Kim, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s crucial that we amplify stories like Won-yong and Ye-chan’s to inspire action and empathy in our society.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for covering this important topic. It’s vital that we keep the conversation going.
Editor: Absolutely. We hope our audience learned something valuable today as we continue to shine a light on critical health issues in our community. Thank you for joining us!