Dr. Peter Chung and Family Donate $1 Million to Surrey Hospital Foundation in Memory of Their Son

On Wednesday, December 11, Dr. Peter Chung and family made a generous $1 million donation to Surrey Hospital Foundation towards the much-needed redesign of Surrey Memorial Hospital’s paediatric oncology department within the Children’s Health Centre.

With the passing of their son, Joseph Chung in 2012, the donation to Surrey Hospital Foundation is one that sits close to the hearts of Dr. Peter and family.

Dr. Chung explains that the diagnosis of Joseph’s autism and epilepsy, resulting in his tragic passing, and enabling the worst experience and suffering in his life, led him to become more compassionate. He gained more compassion towards people who are different that he is, and who are less fortunate.

“When the President of Surrey Hospital Foundation approached us about this donation, without hesitation in my mind, I said ‘This is a good project to do’,” says Dr. Chung. “Especially when she mentioned the children – I have five children of my own and my heart just moved.”

With the rising population of Surrey and overcrowded waiting rooms, there is an abundance of children who need better access to cancer treatment facilities.

“We stayed up numerous nights, just watching [our son] go through this, and we couldn’t do anything about it,” says Dr. Chung.

Through the loss of their son, Dr. Chung recognizes there can be many trials and tribulations in life, but he relies in his faith and giving back to the community whenever he can.

“Whatever I have, I like to use it to contribute to our society,” says Dr. Chung. “I like to encourage and stimulate people to do good deeds – especially children, helping other children.”

The Children’s Health Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital, built in 2001, is the sole health facility in the Fraser Valley dedicated to children’s health and paediatric emergencies. The Surrey Hospital Foundation has been conducting a fundraising campaign to raise $6 million to renovate and expand the Children’s Health Centre. With the help of Dr. Chung and family’s donation, they are now only one million short of the $6 million goal. Learn more about the Children’s Health Centre here.