Soulful Medicine

Michelle Tomey volunteered through GVN in April 09 in Vietnam working in orphanages in Tuy Hoa. While in Vietnam Michelle became involved in some inspirational fundraising work to help a young Vietnamese girl with Cleft Lip and Pallet…

“In one of my Little School classes, I met a young girl named Thuong. She is an extremely bright little girl, and has amazing spirit. I noticed a scar above her lip, and soon learned that she was born with Cleft Lip, and Palate. A cleft is an opening or gap. It is the non-fusion of the body's natural structures that form before birth. It is caused by abnormal facial development during gestation.

Thuong's Father, Cu, is 35 years old, and was born in a fishing village not far from where they live now. He has been a fisherman all his life. At 35 years old, Cu is illiterate. He cannot read or write, but is able to provide for his family by working as a fishermen. Thuong's mother, Thuy, is 34 years old, and continues to live in the village she was born in. Thuy can read and write, but only completed school up to grade 6. After this time, she became a fishing net maker, and continues to make and repair nets for Cu.

Most children under go their first surgery between 2 & 3 months old. Thuong under went her first surgery at 18 months. Her family could not afford the surgery, so a fundraiser was held and raised enough money for her first 3 surgeries. Her second surgery was at 30 months old, and her third at 42 months. All three surgeries were a great success. Unfortunately, funding has run out with approximately two surgeries still remaining. I have made it my personal goal to see to it that enough money is raised to help Thuong live as normal a life as possible. Any funds raised that exceed the total cost of the surgeries will be used to help support the family in funding the continuing education of Thuong and her sister. Both parents are very dedicated to seeing their daughter’s complete school, and are making every effort they can.

On Sunday, April 26, I met with Thuong and her family. I went to their home and picked them up to take them out for lunch, and interview them about Thuong's medical history. I was amazed to find out that they had never been out for lunch. They were so excited and grateful; it was an amazing experience for all of us. I needed to discuss with them my thoughts and ideas for a fundraiser, and I wanted to get their permission to fundraise for them, and to post pictures and information about their family. They were more than happy to comply, and offered many thanks to everyone who is willing and able to donate. Currently I received two donations from my mother, and grandmother. With this money, we were able to set up an appointment with a doctor in Ho Chi Minh City. Thuong, her mother, Thuy, and my manager, Nguyen, flew to HCMC on April 27, 2009. This was the first time flying for all three of them. They met with a surgeon, and he agreed to donate Thuong's next surgery. This will involve having bone removed from her shoulder, to repair her jaw. Following this surgery, she will need reconstructive surgery of her nose. We do not know exactly how many surgeries remain. We must first complete the next surgery and see the outcome.”

Michelle’s goal is to fundraise 10,000 so far she has raised 1080. Keep up the great work Michelle!

Volunteers in the Vietnam Orphanage program have the chance to help care for children in orphanages and at day care centres. Volunteers also teach English at language centres and to various community groups. This program gives you a chance to make an important contribution to the people of Vietnam, and to gain an in depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you the rest of your life.

If you would like to help support Thuong through her surgery’s and Michelle with her fundraising efforts please visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/michelletomey

To find out more about Thuong’s story you can visit Michelle’s blog: http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/soulfulmedicine/default.aspx