The 23rd Scholarship and Grant Awards Ceremony

Since establishing the “Rare Disease Scholarship” in 2004, TFRD has encouraged students with rare diseases to pursue their dreams. By 2024, a total of 6,624 recipients had been awarded scholarships, with over NT$430 million in scholarships distributed.

The 23rd award ceremony was held in Taipei on November 15, honoring 415 students with 121 different rare diseases and awarding a total of NT$2.9 million in scholarships.

On the same day, the second “Rare Disease Contribution Awards” were presented, including three categories: Contribution Award, Service Award, and Excellence Award, recognizing diverse contributions ranging from policy advocacy and medical services to social initiatives.

The “Contribution Award” was presented to Professor Lee Ming-liang, former Director-General of the Department of Health, for laying the institutional foundation for rare disease care. The “Service Award” honored Dr. Chu Shao-yin for her long-term dedication to establishing genetic service networks in Hualien and Taitung. The “Outstanding Achievement Award” went to Lin Chun-chieh for advancing independent living and barrier-free innovation, and to Lai Chih-ming (Jimmy Lai) for founding “Barrier-Free Players.”

This year’s event featured 10 award categories, with support from several educational and public welfare foundations. The ceremony highlighted the diverse talents and resilience of students living with rare diseases, demonstrating courage, hope, and the determination to pursue their dreams through achievements in academics, the arts, and sports.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)