Love Without Barriers! Osteogenesis Imperfecta Patients Make Their Dreams Come True Across the Sea

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Taiwan Osteogenesis Imperfecta Association, from September 29 to October 1, the association, with the support of EVERRICH Duty Free Shop, led over 100 patients and their families on a flight to Penghu, fulfilling their lifelong dream of taking their first flight. This allowed them to experience the beauty of Penghu and enjoy a rare opportunity.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), formerly "brittle bone disease," is a rare condition affecting about one in every 20,000 to 30,000 people. Patients typically have normal intelligence, but those with mild cases may experience only slight osteoporosis, while severe cases endure dozens of injuries and fractures each year from childhood onward. In some instances, fetuses may even suffer fractures in the womb. The condition can lead to bone deformities, muscle weakness, and spinal curvature, making life extraordinarily challenging.

Ching-chiang Chuang, Chairman of the Association, shared that the organization hosts an annual travel event and has long hoped to take patients and their families on a trip beyond the main island. With Penghu now offering low-floor bus services and the support of the newly established, well-equipped Discovery Hotel, this dream finally became a reality.
This trip marks the first time 52 patients and 55 family members boarded a plane to travel to an outlying island. The planning process spanned a year, overcoming numerous challenges related to transportation and accommodation. Special thanks were extended to EVERRICH Duty Free Shop for their donation and volunteers, as well as to the Discovery Hotel for its partnership in providing a comfortable, safe, and fully accessible environment, including barrier-free layouts, elevators, and accessible bathrooms, ensuring patients could travel with peace of mind.

On the first day of the trip, the association held a "Patient Scholarship Award Ceremony(病友獎助學金頒獎典禮)" and presented a certificate of appreciation to Chih-chao Yang, Deputy General Manager of Discovery Hotel, in recognition of the support provided by EVERRICH Duty Free Shop and Discovery Hotel. Yang emphasized that patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta face numerous challenges in daily life due to their condition. By offering comprehensive accessible facilities, the hotel hoped to convey societal care and support to the patients through this event while providing their families with a chance to relax, recharge, and continue facing life's challenges with courage.

One of the patients, 33-year-old Chi-ming Chang, a life education speaker who was diagnosed with a right femur fracture at birth and suffers from severe Osteogenesis Imperfecta, rarely ventures outside. He had long dreamed of visiting Penghu after seeing its beauty on TV and was thrilled to finally fulfill his dream of feeling the sea breeze in Penghu alongside fellow patients. Another patient, 23-year-old Chin-hao Kao, a street performer, has undergone more than 30 surgeries and rehabilitation sessions since childhood. He shared his excitement for the trip and eagerly looked forward to the opportunity to swim in Penghu.

During the three-day, two-night trip, EVERRICH Duty Free Shop sponsored the patients’ and families’ stay at Discovery Hotel and provided volunteers to assist with the patients' travels. EVERRICH Duty Free Shop’s Public Affairs Manager, Hui-chun Tsao, emphasized that philanthropy is a core value of the company. To advance their "Duty4Taiwan" initiative, they launched the "1% ESG Plan" last year, committing 1% of their time, resources, and efforts to make a 1% impact. With a spirit of altruism, EVERRICH Duty Free Shop remains dedicated to continually supporting and assisting those in need.