When disability affects a child, the whole family carries the weight
For families raising children with disabilities, daily life often comes with added costs and added barriers.
According to the Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute’s 2025 Disability Statistics Yearbook, disability-related expenses average about 170,000 KRW per month, or about 2.04 million KRW per year. These expenses may include medical care, assistive devices, transportation, and other needs that many families without disabilities may not face in the same way.
The economic burden is also significant. The Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute’s 2024 report on disability poverty and income inequality found that the relative poverty rate among households with disabilities was 37.5%, which is 17.3 percentage points higher than the overall household rate.
Behind these numbers are children who need consistent therapy, medical care, and support to continue growing.
Why ongoing care matters for children with disabilities
For children with disabilities or rare diseases, treatment is not a one-time need.
Therapy may be part of their weekly routine. Medical care may be necessary to prevent physical complications, support communication, or help them participate more fully in school and daily life.
But for families already facing financial hardship, the cost of ongoing care can make it difficult to continue treatment consistently.
That is why GFoundation supports children with disabilities through child sponsorship and assistance programs that help families continue essential care.
Junsu is receiving the therapy he needs
Junsu lives with his parents and has Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, a rare condition that can involve intellectual disability, delayed speech development, seizures, and movement-related challenges.
To support his growth and prevent physical complications, Junsu needs ongoing physical therapy and speech-cognitive therapy.
Through GFoundation’s child sponsorship program, Junsu was connected with a sponsor. With this support, he is now able to receive physical therapy five times a week and speech-cognitive therapy twice a week.
Although much of his daily life is centered around hospital visits and therapy, Junsu continues to spend his days with a bright and positive spirit.
Because he needs regular treatment, it is not always easy for him to experience school life in the same way as his peers. Still, he continues to participate in his studies and maintains good relationships with his friends.
His mother shared her gratitude, saying that the support has helped Junsu continue school life with less worry.
Minyoung is continuing rehabilitation therapy
Minyoung experienced brain damage at birth and was diagnosed with a second-degree brain lesion disability.
She uses a wheelchair for mobility and needs support from a caregiver or family member for daily activities.
Through sponsorship support, Minyoung is now receiving rehabilitation therapy to help with muscle relaxation and strength building.
Her mother shared that the cost of rehabilitation had been a heavy burden, making it difficult to continue the therapy Minyoung needed. She expressed deep gratitude that Minyoung is now able to receive care that supports her growth.
Your care can help a child keep going
A gift may help a child continue therapy.
It may help a family carry one less burden.
And it may help a child move forward with the care, encouragement, and support they need.
Your support helps children like Junsu and Minyoung grow in stable environments—
by meeting the essential needs that allow them to focus on learning, healing, and building their future.
| Sponsor a Child in Korea
- Become a Monthly Donor – Provide consistent, long-term support for a child’s education, emotional well-being, and daily needs—continuing through age 24 as they transition into adulthood.
