Help Wonki and Miguel become the first to overcome progeria

Your support will fund medical care, travel, accommodations, and participation in the Boston 5K race for Wonki and Miguel. YES! This April. Wonki and Miguel dream of reuniting in Boston to support Miguel’s medical journey and run the Boston 5K race together. For them, crossing the finish line symbolizes resilience, determination, and an extraordinary triumph against all odds.

Two best friends. One rare disease. A race for hope.

Wonki from Korea and Miguel from Colombia are friends, perhaps even more than just friends, soulmates who understand each other better than anyone else. They are true supporters of one another as they fight the same disease: progeria, a rare genetic condition affecting fewer than 150 people worldwide. Progeria causes children to age faster than normal, with an average life expectancy of just 13 years. Yet, against all odds, Wonki and Miguel are set to celebrate their 19th birthdays this year, a miraculous milestone.

Over the years, they have faced numerous health challenges such as osteoporosis and cholesterol buildup in their arteries. Recently, Miguel’s health has recently worsened significantly, and he urgently requires specialized care which is unavailable to him in Colombia.

A Decade-Long Friendship, A Shared Dream

Wonki and Miguel first met ten years ago at Boston Children’s Hospital, where the Progeria Research Foundation had invited them to participate in a clinical trial. What started as two children bonding over their shared experience with a rare condition at the hospital blossomed into a lifelong friendship. Miguel’s words to Wonki, “Let’s be the first to overcome this disease,” became their shared dream and source of hope.

Wonki has been the only person with progeria in Korea, and meeting Miguel was life-changing. Before they met, Wonki never took off his hat in public, feeling self-conscious about his appearance and how different he looked without hair compared with other kids his age. But in Miguel’s presence, he found the confidence to embrace his true self.

Join Us in Making This Possible

Donations will be used transparently, with regular updates on GoFundMe and Wonki’s YouTube channel. A short film documenting their journey will be shared with all supporters.

This campaign is managed by Rothea, a Boston-based skincare brand committed to supporting parents of children with disabilities.