2022 Fall/Winter Highlights of Hope

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PHILANTHROPY Running for family and Parkinson’s research Dedication, prayer and meditation are the key elements fueling Joy Kim’s grueling training efforts. In November, Kim and her sisters will run from Staten Island to Central Park during the TCS New York City Marathon, an event that may be as emotionally rewarding as it is physically challenging: They’ll be participating to honor the memory of loved ones lost to Parkinson’s and cancer. Kim’s mother-in-law, Min Ja, had Parkinson’s disease and passed away in 2021. It was a difficult time, and it elevated the importance of biomedical research in the eyes of the Kim family. “My father-in-law lovingly took care of Min Ja for six years, and we experienced how terrible Parkinson’s can be in the terminal stages. There is so much pain and suffering, not only for the affected person, but for friends, family and caretakers,” Kim said. That suffering was top of mind after Min Ja’s death. The family looked to make a generational impact and raised funds for Parkinson’s research. Kim wanted those donations to have a local effect and recommended Van Andel Institute — she knew of VAI’s work through Grand Rapids connections and later saw the value of her support firsthand during a tour of the Institute. “VAI’s impact on Grand Rapids is wonderful,” Kim said. “You see it in the first-rate facility, the excellent researchers and the driven individuals who work there — they are actively pursuing the mission to help those who face Parkinson’s and cancer.” Following her family‘s donation in Min Ja’s memory, Kim remained interested in supporting the Institute. She learned of the VAI Marathon Team and saw it as the perfect opportunity to run a world-famous event while raising money for research. She’ll be joined by her sisters, who are running in honor of their father who died from kidney cancer. It’s an uplifting challenge, Kim said: whether she trains for one or 10 miles a day, it does not get easier, but knowing that her family is involved elevates her commitment. And when the training gets really challenging, Min Ja always provides inspiration. “She was a beautiful woman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend,“ Kim said. “The United States gave so many good opportunities to her, and she always had a desire to give back. I hope our support of research can extend the positive impact Min Ja had in our lives to future generations.” 24 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
“VAI’s impact on Grand Rapids is wonderful. You see it in the first-rate facility, the excellent researchers and the driven individuals that work there — they are actively pursuing the mission to help those who face Parkinson’s and cancer.” — Joy Kim Experience world famous marathons — and raise money while doing it Every runner has dreams of tackling some of the world’s most famous routes, whether they’re looking to cross the finish line near Buckingham Palace or experience the streets of Chicago alongside 40,000 other athletes. Now, you can run these historic marathons while raising money for Van Andel Institute’s research and education initiatives. The VAI Marathon Team, launched in 2017, secures complimentary, guaranteed entries to marathons across the globe. More than 100 marathon runners have joined the team, running more than 3,000 miles to raise over $300,000. It’s the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, experience historic routes and support the Institute. VAI Marathon Team members receive the following benefits: • Complimentary registration to the BMW Berlin Marathon, TCS London Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon or TCS New York City Marathon • A welcome kit with VAI Marathon Team gear • Exclusive activities before and after the race • Contests for fabulous prizes, including complimentary hotel rooms during race weekends To learn more about the VAI Marathon Team and its benefits, please contact McKenzie Hollern at mckenzie.hollern@vai.org or 616.234.5598. MIN JA & DR. CHUNGYUL KIM FAMILY VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 25
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2022 Fall/Winter Highlights of Hope

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