Wednesday, November 12, 2025
HomeSpotlight Community MediaAfter Personal Tragedy, Korean American Doctor Takes on Fentanyl Crisis

After Personal Tragedy, Korean American Doctor Takes on Fentanyl Crisis

A Korean-American doctor who lost her son to fentanyl is in the news for developing a drug test kit.

The online fundraising site GoFundMe recently posted the story of Jeanie Chung, a doctor in Denver, Colorado.

Chung said on her GoFundMe page that “TaeSun was the double bright light that brought laughter and joy to all those who basked in his warmth. Shockingly, fentanyl crushed this radiance in one swoop, vanquishing it from all our lives forever. Tragically, these sad stories continue to plague our society.”

Chung, a dermatologist, was motivated by her son’s death to work with fellow doctors to develop a fentanyl test kit. They named the device “Taesun” after her son, Jackson TaeSun Leddon (pictured).

Taesun was 19 years old when he lost his life to fentanyl in 2020.

TaeSun, who loved to play rugby, had been a student at the University of Kentucky and was set to transfer to the University of Colorado to be close to family.

Chung said, “He had exciting plans to return to his loving friends and family the next day from college. Unbeknownst to him, the substance he trustingly received contained enough fentanyl to kill a horse. No taste, no smell, or any other indication that the substance would abruptly end his life and take him away from all those he dearly loved.”

Read the rest at The Korea Daily

🏷️ Tags | Related Stories

PG&E Will Support Customers Amid Aftermath of Government Shutdown

PG&E has several plans for low-income customers who cannot pay their utility bills.

42 Million Americans Will Lose Food Assistance in November Amid Government Shutdown

Oct 31 | 42 million Americans risk losing SNAP food aid amid the federal shutdown. Experts discuss CalFresh impacts, lawsuits, and long-term effects of budget cuts and new work requirements on food security.

SNAP Freeze Continues — Targeting Immigrants More Important Than Feeding Families

With a deal in sight to end the shutdown, the Trump Administration continues its push to freeze some or all SNAP payments while upping its investment in targeting immigrants.

SNAP Freeze Continues — Targeting Immigrants More Important Than Feeding Families

With a deal in sight to end the shutdown, the Trump Administration continues its push to freeze some or all SNAP payments while upping its investment in targeting immigrants.