NuTong Leejaiyee
From Chum Chuc Village, Bokeo Province, Lao PDR
NuTong Leejaiyee was born in a small village located in Bokeo of Lao PDR. When the mother was pregnant, the doctor did not found any abnormalities from ultrasound examination. At birth, it was found out that NuTong was born with cleft lip and cleft palate. The father had regrets and was afraid that the child would not be able to eat. Later, he received advice from a familiar neighbor who had joined the treatment with the project. He, then managed to travel about one hour to meet Ms. Malai Kanyadeth, our project volunteer in Bokeo. At 6 months old NuTong received first surgery of cleft lip on 22 June 2010 and had ears treatment the same year. He had cleft palate repaired at his 1.2 years old (on 2 August 2011), then, receiving oral health care and speech therapy. After had a speech assessment from Asst. Professor Srithon Boonyanukul, Speech Lanuguage Pathologist. NuTong started to correct his 12 error sounds and later attending continuously online speech practice during the COVID-19 outbreaks. There are remaining 4 other sounds that are not clearly pronounced. Currently, NuTong is 6 years old. He is a cheerful, confident, and assertive child. In the future, the father wishes NuTong to become a doctor so that NuTong could be able to help people and children with cleft lip and palate. Next year, 2024, the father will move NuTong to study in Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Lao PDR. NuTong will have to living with an uncle who is a teacher to learn English and will have a good education.
Mr.Tongwan Leechaiyee, NuTong's father told us that
“We are poor and cannot afford for the surgery. We did not know where to contact for help. Thankful for having the foundation to help children with cleft lip and palate disabilities. I don’t know how to express my feelings. I have nothing in return for this help. I could only say thank you very much.”
Kittikorn Vitam
From Pa Sang Village, Maechan, Chiangrai province
Kittikorn Vitam had cleft lip surgery at the age of 3 months, on June 25, 2009 and cleft palate surgery at the age of 1 year and 3 months, on June 11, 2010. Mr. Sam Mina, Kittikorn's father, said that “While doing the ultrasound examination during pregnancy, the doctor did not found the abnormalities. We only know when giving birth.” The doctor said that his son, Kittikorn had cleft lip and cleft palate. “I was shocked and afraid that my son would not be able to eat.” It was fortunate to give birth at Overbrook Hospital. The obstetrician recommended the father to contact and join the project. After repair surgery, the project staff has been providing other required cleft care treatment and following up all the time, such as ear and oral health check. Kittikorn had surgery for bone graft at his 10 years old, on October 21 2019 and received continuous oral/ dental treatment process to prepare for orthodontic treatment. Kittikorn started his speech therapy in 2011 with his 8 error sounds. During the COVID-19 outbreak, he continued his speech practice online. The father feels appreciated for improving speech of his son. Kittikorn received the latest speech assessment on 29 January 2023 by Ms. Kanpitcha Limrungrueng, a speech therapist. The assessment result shown that Kittikorn pronounces every vowel sound clearly and at the level of sentences clearly more than 90%
Currently, Kittikorn is 14 years old, studying at secondary education, Grade 8 (Matthayom 2). When he has free time, he likes to help his uncle at the garage. In the future, he would like to study at a Technical College to be a mechanic to later help uncle's work.
Kittikorn's father said "Thank you for the project that always helping over the years including the travel expenses, accommodation expenses and surgery expenses. I wish the project and the staff would provide help to the patients like this for a long time and forever."