Samantha is a sweet five-year-old girl from the Philippines. She is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom now attend school. Samantha is in the care of her mother and currently attends a day care center in their town.
Since she was born, Samantha has had a cleft palate, a facial malformation that causes openings or splits in the roof of the mouth and lip. Her condition makes everyday living difficult, and Samantha has difficulty breathing and swallowing food. Her mother has stopped working in order to care for her daughter.
Samantha is a playful child, but her condition makes her feel shy. Her family has tried to save money for treatment, but doing so has been difficult.
Fortunately, our medical partner’s community outreach team found and screened Samantha. She is now scheduled for a repair surgery on January 25. This procedure will allow Samantha to breathe and eat easily and will increase her confidence.
Samantha’s father works as a bus conductor. However, his income is barely enough to sustain them. For this reason, our medical partner, International Care Ministries, is requesting $1,088 to fund the treatment.
“I am happy that at last Samantha could get treated,” says Samantha’s mother. “We are really close to her healing right now…Samantha is a sweet girl and has big dreams, but she cannot reach them if she does not have confidence. This operation will give Samantha hope for a good future. As a mother, my greatest desire is to see my children well and succeed someday. Thank you for this chance that you’ve given. May you be blessed.”
