Hello,

First I would like to thank you for taking the time to look at my fundraising page. I am currently volunteering with Global Volunteer Network, in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam.  It's a Non-Profit Organization, founded in New Zealand, by Colin Salisbury in December of 2000. If you would like to read more about the organization, please click the following link:  http://www.volunteer.org.nz/about/.

I have been here for a month teaching English to under privileged children. My fellow volunteers and I work with children aged from 3-21, from preschool right through to college. 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. 

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. Unfortunatley, funding has run out with approximatley two surgeries still remaining.  I have made it my personl 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 didicated to seeing their daughters 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.

I will be sure to keep you updated on Thuong's progress, and any new information I recieve. You can read more about the family by visiting my blog site at:

http://communities.canada.com/theprovince/blogs/soulfulmedicine/default.aspx

Should you wish to contact me privately, please e mail me at:

m_tomey@hotmail.com

So through the help of my family, friends, and friends of friends, I have begun my fundraising efforts.  Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Thank you,

Michelle Tomey