'Korean Stephen Hawkings' honored
A South Korean hospital said Wednesday it held the annual "Congratulations, Korean Hawkings," commemoration ceremony, dedicated to celebrating the academic accomplishments of patients with rare neuromuscular disorders.
The event is named after the world-renowned scientist Stephen Hawking who suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for most of his life.
According to the Gangnam Severance Hospital, seven patients were honored at this year's event on Tuesday -- three who were accepted at universities and four who graduated. This marked the 11th edition of the ceremony established in 2012 by the hospital's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center.
"Due to consistent effort and assistance from the medical staff, (we) were able to recover enough for our daily lives and studying," said 21-year-old Lee Ji-seong who has muscular dystrophy, a rare type of neuromuscular disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Accepted to the College of Social Science at Pusan National University, Lee starts his first term in March.
"I personally obtained a goal to help fellow patients living with muscle diseases."
The retirement ceremony of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center's former chief, professor Kang Seong-woong, was held the same day. He is considered a pioneer in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation in Korea, a medical program treating respiratory problems in patients with chronic lung diseases.
'I hope that the story of the patients who never gave up would help abolish prejudice and social perception of those with rare neuromuscular disorders, and help bring down the walls in our society,' Kang said.
Stephen Hawking, the man who the ceremony is named after, is one such person who is considered to have changed people's perception toward patients of neuromuscular disorders. Widely considered one of the most brilliant minds of all time, he is also known for his decades-long fight with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gherig's disease.
Hawking was diagnosed with the disorder at the age of 21 and was given a two-year life expectancy in 1963, but he went on to live for more than 50 years afterwards, becoming one of the most accomplished scientists in modern times.
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