Mocked and Cursed No More

13-year-old Heng is a kind and caring son. Every day after school, he helps his parents take care of his baby brother Lik, who was born with a cleft lip. That’s not always easy, as he found out when he took him to a store. Heng recalls, “A lady said, ‘why do you bring the ugly boy here?’ When villagers saw him, they cursed him, and I got angry. From that day on, I never took him there again.”

The baby’s parents were heartbroken that they couldn't get their son the surgery he needed. They did everything they could to save money, but it just wasn't enough. They could barely afford food each day.

The father, Leang explains, “When our son was born with cleft lip, we did not have money to buy milk for him. I supported my family by catching rats in the rice fields and fishing. I did not even think about resting.” The mother, Sarmeth, says, “I am helping earn money by picking fruit to sell. But together we only earn about $2.50 per day - sometimes less. That’s not enough for surgery.”

But you made it possible for Operation Blessing to provide free surgery for the baby boy. The operation was a success.

Sarmeth says, “Before the surgery, the villagers called him ‘Cleft Boy.’ Now they call him by his name! He's gained weight and drinks a lot more. Thank you for helping us!” 

Leang shares, “I'm so happy now my son had his surgery. He looks adorable and I love him more than ever.” Heng gratefully says, “I'm so excited! My brother loves to play when he wakes up. Thank you, Operation Blessing for helping him!”