Story written by Share Wallace

Less than one year old, Chordaonin (nicknamed “Face”) was born with cleft lip and palate. A close family member had a facial cleft which was not repaired until he was an adult, and Face’s mother was acutely aware of the suffering her daughter would certainly encounter as she grew older.

Unable to afford surgery, Face’s mother was distraught. When she learned of an Operation Smile medical mission in Ubon Ratchatani, Thailand she wasted no time. She and her daughter boarded a free train and headed off to the city.

Face’s mother was relieved when the good news came that her daughter was chosen for surgery. Her hopes are that Face will use this second chance in life to pursue a higher education that will help her to have a positive influence in the lives of others.