Celebrating Lao Friends Hospital for Children’s 10th Anniversary
“Ten years ago, Lao Friends Hospital for Children opened its doors with a vital mission to bring free compassionate healthcare to every child in Laos. Today, I see not just a hospital, but a thriving community built on love, dedication, and the belief that every child deserves a chance at a healthy future."
– Kenro Izu, Founder of Friends Without a Border, reflecting on a decade of impact at the LFHC 10th Anniversary Celebration.
On February 14, 2025, friends from all over the world gathered in Luang Prabang to celebrate 10 years of Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC), the ONLY provider of FREE pediatric care in Laos. For us at Friends Without A Border, this milestone is more than just a celebration; it signifies a decade of hard work, resiliance, and dedication. It shows what can be achieved with the power of compassion and collective action.
On the day of the official ceremony, we were joined by our longtime supporters and donors, the Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local health leaders, former volunteers, and our board of directors. All of whom have played a vital role in this decade's journey. LFHC has become a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of children in Laos. Expanding beyond our hospital walls to communities all across the country, and now as the unofficial center of excellence in Intensive Care, Neonatology and Malnutrition treatment.
Mandalao Elephant Conservation hosted our guests for lunch in the picturesque countryside, where friendly four-legged giants and a beautiful ‘Baci ceremony’ greeted us. This traditional ceremony performed by the village elders (many whose children and grandchildren have received care at LFHC) bestowed blessings and protection upon our team and mission.
The evening was all about celebrating the heart and soul of LFHC—our staff, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning. Their commitment has made it possible for thousands of children to receive life-saving care, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
More Anniversary Highlights
The 10th Anniversary event was followed by two days of fun activities to give our visitors a taste of Lao culture and to show LFHC’s extensive work throughout the region.
We had the privilege of bringing our guests on a visit to one of the provincial districts that LFHC serves. Ms. Irma, LFHC’s Director of Prevention, introduced us to the Mother and Child Nutrition Program. This project covers 37 villages in 2 provincial districts within Luang Prabang province, showing that LFHC's reach extends far beyond its hospital walls. The 2-hour trip to rural Laos was quite a bumpy adventure, but the warm welcome from the village made every mile worthwhile.
LFHC's 10th Anniversary celebrations concluded at Luang Prabang's oldest UNESCO-protected residence, Heuan Chanh Heritage—a fitting setting to express our sincere "khop chai lai lai" (thank you very much) while honoring the rich cultural heritage that makes our work here so meaningful.
This journey would not have been possible without the continued support of donors, volunteers, staff, and friends who believe in our mission. As we look to the future, Friends Without a Border remains committed to sustaining and expanding LFHC’s impact, ensuring that every child, no matter their circumstances, has access to free healthcare they deserve.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this mission. 💚
