The world of Tzu Chi Augusts 2021 (Vol.136)

Smile, Feeling Hope Ahead! On May 22, 2021, three children, accompanied by their families, arrived at the Siloam Silampari Hospital in Lubuklinggau, South Sumatra, Indonesia, for their respective cleft lip surgeries. “I cannot wait to undergo the surgery because I want to get handsome soon!”, expressed eight-year-old Lazo (anonym), who suffers from a cleft lip and palate. Lazo was born with visible openings in his upper lip and the roof of the mouth. He had his first surgery when he was three months old but had to delay further surgical treatment due to financial constraints. This time, the surgeons repaired his palate and rectified issues from his previous surgery. After the operation, his mother cried tears of joy. She said, “Thank you very much Tzu Chi volunteers for helping my son undergo the surgery. Without your assistance, I would not know where to find help.” The children happily pose for a photo before their respective cleft lip surgeries. [Photo by M. Rizki]