“When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands.” ~ Daniel Goleman Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
In 2023, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) student Angelina Anh Laute organized her first Peachy Charity Run & Brunch and raised RMB 28,068 for then-5-year-old orphan Ping, who suffers from a rare genetic skin disease (epidermolysis bullosa, or EB). That summer, Angelina continued her altruistic journey by interning at Dew Drops, a home for medically compromised children in Beijing. When she entered Grade 11, she founded the KM for LOVE global service student club at WAB with Dew Drops as their official community partner, where she now leads a team of students to organize WAB’s new annual community fun run – the KM for LOVE Run & Brunch.
This year’s KM for Love Run & Brunch event aims to raise RMB 200,000 to help 5-year-old Mia whose traumatic burn injuries require multiple surgeries.
JKI: Hi Angelina, good to see you again! Please tell us more about Mia.
Angelina: At the beginning of this year, Dew Drops introduced us to 5-year-old Mia – the very day we heard her story, we decided to dedicate this year’s Run & Brunch to supporting her. Since then, our team has had multiple volunteer visits to Dew Drops’ home to meet and get to know Mia. Her smile motivates us every day to persevere in our work.
Mia is a bright, beautiful, and courageous five-year-old girl. As an infant, little Mia suffered serious burns on many parts of her body. Over the past years, her orphanage has worked hard to help her recover. Despite repeated surgeries and extended hospitalizations, she still has areas that refuse to heal.
In May 2023, Dew Drops opened their arms to Mia. Within one year, Dew Drops has connected her with Beijing medical specialists and facilitated five hospitalizations to mend her wounds and alleviate joint contractures.
When Dew Drops first met Mia, she was unable to straighten out her leg due to a serious wound impacting her right knee. Now, she is able to put weight on her leg and even take steps with the assistance of a walker.
Mia is an incredibly capable child who meets each day’s challenges with courage and a cheerful attitude. She’s a quick learner and loves engaging in games, puzzles, and craft projects. A burn injury is one of the most painful injuries any person can endure. At only 5 years of age, Mia has shown unmeasurable courage, strength, and a powerful love for life that humbles and inspires the people around her.
Facing several more surgeries to come this year that require around RMB 200,000, KM for LOVE has decided to do our part in supporting Mia on her journey toward mobility.
JKI: How can we help Mia?
Angelina: People can support the 2024 KM for LOVE Run & Brunch by joining us in person on Sun, Jun 9, 9am-1pm, at WAB for a day of movement, fun, and love! One hundred percent of ticket sales will be going to supporting Mia’s upcoming surgeries on her journey towards mobility.
By purchasing a RMB 260 Run & Brunch ticket, participants can choose from a 3km, 5km, or 10km walk or run led by our Crazey Fit running family and WAB athletes on a course that combines both WAB’s beautiful campus and the surrounding forest trails. Runners will re-unite on the WAB Tiger Field for a family and friends brunch, where free-flow pancakes and post-run refreshments will be provided along with morning breakfast and organic egg stations! Runners will receive a free goodie bag with awesome vouchers from our sponsors, including:
Non-runners can purchase a brunch–only ticket! A family package is available for 12-year-old or younger participants with tickets at nearly HALF PRICE!
Our loving sponsors have made a raffle possible with amazing prizes up for grabs! Each raffle ticket is an additional donation to Mia! Our raffle prizes include:
By scanning the QR code on the event poster, you can access more information and sign-up options! For our international runners or those unable to join us on the day, you can still make a direct donation through the QR code!
To further support Dew Drops, you can scan the QR code below to join a group of compassionate people dedicated to donating RMB 1 per day to support the children in their care:
To find more ways you can support Dew Drops, contact them on WeChat at 小水滴助童新生 Dew Drops (xiǎo shuǐdī zhù tóng xīnshēng).
Food for thought from Angelina:
”On the back of the shirts worn by the Dew Drops team are the words spoken by Mother Teresa: ‘We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.’ This awareness and determination is what drives our team. I am making my drop. The KM for LOVE is making our drops. You can make yours too.”
KM for LOVE student club
Images: Courtesy of Angelina Anh Laute
