Although they come from disparate cultures and backgrounds, these mothers exemplify the strength, generosity and unconditional love that we celebrate in mothers around the world. Here are a few of the many stories of brave mothers who have touched Interplast.
We're happy to introduce you to Hoa, Mary and Jacqueline. Your donation today makes a difference in mothers' lives all around the globe.
Hoa
Quang Ngai, Vietnam
Photo by Zane Williams
Hoa, a young mother, knew intimately the stigma of a cleft lip as she had been born with one herself. Therefore, she eagerly sought help from Interplast when her son Hoai was also born with a cleft lip. Hoa and her son live with a mountain tribe in a remote area of Vietnam. She traveled a long way to have Hoai seen and waited patiently for him to be evaluated. To her delight, Hoai qualified for surgery.
What she did not expect was that, in the process of screening little Hoai, our surgeons noticed that she too could benefit from a surgical revision of her cleft repair. Hoa had selflessly brought her son in with only his future in mind, and now her life also would be improved. Rarely is Interplast given the opportunity to perform surgeries on both mother and child. In this situation, we were greatly honored to do so. Donate Now.
Mary
Kabwe, Zambia
Photo by Phil Borges
Missing work to care for a sick child is a common occurrence for mothers around the world. However, for Mary, whose son Mateo so desperately needed reconstructive surgical care for his disabling burns, "missing work" meant a huge sacrifice. Not only did she have to travel far from home, but she also was leaving behind nine other children with a farm that barely sustained them.
Mateo's injuries were so severe that he could not move his neck or hand. Although the surgery from Interplast was free, leaving her other children and the precarious state of her family's livelihood still made the decision to get treatment for Mateo a difficult one. Yet, she remembered with anguish the way that Mateo would hide his crippled hand each time the family went to church. She knew there was no way she could pass up this opportunity for her son.
After her son's successful surgery, Mary was filled with conflicting emotions: relief that Mateo had a renewed chance to move his neck and arms, and concern that her time away at the hospital had placed a heavy burden on her nine other children. Though it was a difficult decision, after seeing Mateo recovering on the hospital bed, Mary told us she was thankful she had come and that Mateo now had a chance for a brighter future.
Donate Now.
Jacqueline
Loja, Ecuador
Jacqueline's 25-year-old daughter, Andrea, is her pride and joy. When Andrea was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Jacqueline stood firm by her daughter, often against society's stares and whispers. Jacqueline and Andrea live in Loja, Ecuador, a small town in the Andes. Back in 1985, getting Andrea help seemed almost impossible. However, Jacqueline's motherly determination and incessant inquires ultimately led Andrea to become Interplast's first patient in Loja.
After a number of surgeries, Andrea is now in nursing school and exudes remarkable confidence. Jacqueline has always given Andrea the type of unconditional love and support that have been crucial in getting Andrea through numerous surgeries. Because of her mother's support, Andrea goes through life with her head held high. Donate Now.
A better life for their children is a dream shared by mothers around the world. Your donations help us fulfill that dream. Donate Now.
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