A two-year-old Mongolian boy received surgery here to remove
cancer in his eye, opening a new chapter in his life.

According to the International Children’s Care Korea, 2-year-old Khatanbaatar Ariuntulga
was diagnosed with cancer on the eyeball in June after his parents spotted a
membrane on the pupil. His mother, Byambadorj Munkherdene, had a low-paying job
while his father, Khatanbaatar Batold, was jobless. A local medic said his
illness is untreatable in Mongolia.

Rev. Park Sang-beom, who was close to the family, introduced ICC Korea to the
couple, which arranged for Khataanbaatar’s surgery at Seoul National University
Hospital, a top-tier general hospital in Seoul. The family arrived at the
hospital on July 8.

The young Khatanbaatar had his right eye removed on July 20. He was released
from the hospital and is now being watched over to determine whether the cancer
has affected his left eye. Doctors said once he recovers, he will receive an
artificial eye implantation next month.

“It must be a great pain for a two-year-old to bear. I have never imagined him
to suffer that,” Byambadorj told the press.

Kim Young-mi, a PR manager at ICC Korea, said that the money the couple has
brought has been depleted.

“Since foreigners are not covered with the state health insurance scheme, they
are charged more than Koreans. In the worst case, Khatanbaatar may not receive
chemotherapy and other necessary treatments in the post-surgery period,” she
said. The family is waiting for help.