A special thanks to Francisco Pujol, Executive Director (BNI Peru) for this submission
Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong, member of BNI LDS Exito in Lima, Peru was recently honored as the 2018 CNN Hero of the Year. This is an incredible accomplishment and is a testament to the true spirt of Givers Gain that Dr. Pun-Chong embodies.
He received the award on Sunday 9 December, 2018 for his tireless efforts providing free housing, meals and support for sick children and their families while they undergo various treatments. The award is determined by online voters who selected Pun-Chong from among the Top 10 CNN Heroes finalists.
The ceremony was attended by a who’s who of celebrities, and the award itself was presented by renowned hosts Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa
As a result of begin named the Hero of the Year, Dr. Pun-Chong will receive $100,000 to grow his cause. A cause that benefits hundreds of families in need through Dr. Pun-Chong’s nonprofit, Inspira
Many of those families must travel far from home to seek the best medical treatment. Often unable to pay for a place to stay, these families can find themselves homeless while fighting for their children’s lives. Some camp out in the hospital corridors.
“I couldn’t get the picture of the families sleeping on the floor out of my mind,” Pun-Chong said. “So, I decided to do something for them.”
Since 2008, Inspira has provided free housing, meals and overall support for sick children and their families while they undergo treatment. The organization has helped more than 900 families who’ve come from all over Peru.
Pun-Chong, who lives a few blocks from the shelter and is there almost every day, runs the organization with the help of a small staff and an army of passionate volunteers. He spends every holiday with the families there.
“The kids inspire me every day,” Pun-Chong said. “When I’m with these kids, and I feel how strong they are, I understand that there are no problems that we can’t resolve.
View Dr. Pun-Chong’s acceptance of the award below.
You can donate to Dr. Pun-Chong’s cause through Jan. 2, 2019
