Li donates $1m to sponsor boys with cancer

Tycoon Li Ka-shing has donated HK$1 million to sponsor two young cancer patients undergoing proton therapy at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital.

The two boys, aged 15 and 13, suffer from malignant soft tissue sarcoma and Hodgkin lymphoma, respectively.

Proton therapy is chosen over conventional photon therapy as it helps minimize side effects, such as oral pain, dryness and the risk of hearing and vision impairments.

"This is particularly significant for children who are more susceptible to the side effects of radiation during their developmental stage," said HKSH's Law Chun-key. "The use of high-precision proton therapy can help minimize the risk of radiation-induced as well as the development of secondary cancers or other complication."

HKSH's Wyman Li appreciated the donation, saying it "eased the financial hardship faced by the families in urgent need."