Recently the poor and sick in Cambodia’s Baray District were happy when Operation Blessing’s volunteer medical team gave them free medical and dental checkups. However, 5-year-old Lorn was the happiest among the patients. In just a few days her playmates could no longer make fun of her cleft lip. In just a few days, Lorn would be set free from a young life filled with shame.

Since the day Lorn was born with a disfigured smile, her family worried about her future. This situation was new to them; Lorn’s three other siblings had been healthy at birth. The extended family of eight made their meager income of no more than $10 a month from selling their rice, vegetable and fruit crops. There wasn’t any money left over for a regular doctor’s visit, let alone a cleft lip operation!

Lorn’s mother said, “I pitied my girl when she cried at night because of children making fun of her. If we hadn’t received a free operation, my daughter would [have continued to] be sad and feel inferior.”

Earlier this year, Lorn was one of two of the first patients to receive a cleft lip operation as part of our Set a Child Free project in Cambodia. On the morning of surgery, an anxious looking grandfather brought Lorn to the hospital. The little girl was excited and brave throughout the pre-op procedures.

After a successful operation, Mrs. Choon said, “I thank you with all my heart for providing this service. Thank you so much for helping my daughter.”

Lorn cheerfully said, “I am very happy, yes very happy.”

Moley, her 7-year-old sister commented, “I am very happy my sister looks good now.”

Around the World
Thousands of girls and boys are born with cleft lips and palates every day. Hearing their desperate cry, Operation Blessing is concentrating efforts in Africa, China, Indonesia and the Philippines. In China alone, more than 26,000 orphan boys and girls needing cleft lip and/or palate surgery have been abandoned to suffer in an orphanage without hope of adoption.

For a Cup of Coffee or Tea You Can Set a Child Free!
Just a little over $1 a day for one year or a gift of $400 can provide cleft lip and/or cleft palate surgery to a deformed child and literally transform their life and future! The next time you sip a cup of coffee or tea, take the pleasure of knowing you helped mend a child’s life back together.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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