CAMBODIA – In a small village in Cambodia, a young boy named Lik faced a world of adversity simply because he was born with a cleft lip. His brother Heng, a kind and devoted sibling, experienced firsthand the heartache that comes from seeing a loved one bullied and ostracized. However, through the incredible generosity of Operation Blessing partners, Lik’s story becomes one of hope and healing. This journey ended with triumph over bullying and poor health due to cleft lip because of YOUR kindness.
The Plight of a Child with Cleft Lip in Cambodia
Lik’s condition, although correctable, posed health risks and proved a significant challenge for his loving family. He struggled to eat, and they didn’t have money to buy milk for him. There were adults in the community who were rude to Lik and his brother for no other reason than Lik’s cleft lip. The family desperately wanted Lik to get surgery to avoid the cruel stigma children faced. This was not possible due to the financial burden of cleft lip surgery.
The cost of the surgery was beyond their modest means, as Lik’s parents toiled daily earning mere dollars through fruit selling and fishing. The cruelty of bullying compounded their despair, making the need for surgery not just a matter of health, but also of dignity.
Changing Lives with a Single Operation
For families like Lik’s, the dream of cleft lip surgery was not even possible. However, Operation Blessing partners help provide surgery to families that cannot afford it. Operation Blessing is a charity with a heart to help others in a number of ways. One of those ways is by providing life-changing surgeries in different parts of the world. The reason for this mission is simple: these kinds of surgeries change lives and reshape futures.
Operation Blessing’s Biggest Strength: Our Partners
Through the generous contributions of partners like you, Operation Blessing can make lasting change in the lives of children like Lik. Because of our partners, Lik was able to get cleft lip surgery. This is an example of how our partners directly impact lives, offering children like Lik a chance at a normal life. The surgery grants a fresh start and paves the way for a future where Lik is not facing bullying due to cleft lip. A future without mistreatment due to a condition out of his control.
A Future Free from Bullying Due to Cleft Lip
Post-surgery, Lik’s weight gain and increased vitality are visible testaments to the success of the procedure. Heng’s joy is obvious as he shares the playground with a brother who wakes up eager to play, no longer hindered by a cleft lip. Heng can look to the future with relief knowing that Lik is free from a future threatened by bullying and poor health due to cleft lip. Thank you for making this surgery possible!
