Ngan's Story

Crying girl with a cleft lip and cleft palate
11-years-old Ngan, holds a photo of herself before cleft surgery. Photo: Peter Stuckings
11-years-old Ngan, holds a photo of herself before cleft surgery. Photo: Peter Stuckings

Life-changing cleft care for Ngan

In Vietnamese, Ngan’s name means “star,” but she wasn’t able to smile brightly when she was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate.

Ngan’s cleft condition hindered her social engagement and even her involvement in school. Without help however, her family would never have been able to afford the cleft care she needed.

When Ngan’s parents heard that Operation Smile was conducting a surgical mission in Danang, Vietnam, they did everything in their power to bring Ngan to the medical mission. Ngan and her family travelled more than 200 miles for the chance to heal her smile.

Ngan received life-changing surgery on her cleft lip and cleft palate. Now, 10 years later, she is a happy, healthy, vibrant girl – with a smile that shows it. As a hardworking student herself, Ngan dreams of becoming a teacher. She wants to give other children the chance to enjoy reading, writing and learning as much as she does.

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