Disaster Response
Child Development
Clean Water
Hunger Relief
Medical Care
CAMBODIA – Naihieng’s parents knew their little girl would need surgery one day. Born with a cleft lip, Naihieng not only struggled to eat, she suffered from respiratory and other health problems, as well. At the age of 3, Naihieng was becoming more sensitive to her appearance, and her family hoped she could eventually receive life changing cleft lip surgery. Her dream, said her mother, was “to be beautiful, to smile, and to be healthy.”
Overcoming Barriers to Medical Care
Their family of six lived in a small village in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. Naihieng’s father, Chheang, worked hard in a fish market and as a night guard. Her family had planned so carefully to try and help her. Yet that plan for “someday surgery” was sidelined when her father faced sudden health problems of his own.
When friends like you heard about this family, our caring partners immediately took steps to make this precious child whole again. Thanks to your generosity, Naihieng was referred for life changing cleft lip surgery at the New World Medical Center in Phnom Penh—with the entire cost of the operation fully covered.
The Lasting Impact of Life Changing Cleft Lip Surgery
And what a difference your love made! Today, this sweet young girl is smiling, truly smiling. It’s now easier for her to eat, she’s gained weight, and she can pronounce words much better. The whole family is delighted that she’s able to enjoy social gatherings without fear of embarrassment.
Naihieng’s mother said, “Seeing how she enjoys life with the new lip—and seeing her smiling every day—makes our family rejoice with her!” Because your compassion overflowed, we were able to provide a life changing cleft lip surgery on the other side of the world.
