Changing the lives of cleft lip patients in remote corners of the world 

Dr Vivian Lee is a plastic surgeon. In 2014, she was invited by her church members to participate in her first humanitarian service in Mainland China, performing plastic surgery on children from orphanages across the country with congenital deformities such as cleft lips and palates.

The surgeries not only helped those orphans regain their lost self-confidence and dignity but also increased their chances of getting adopted. Dr Lee was deeply moved by the experience, “The same plastic surgery that can be performed in an underdeveloped region can bring a great change and joy to the patients and their families. Therefore, we should continue our service and help more patients in need.” Since then, Dr Lee has travelled to remote areas such as Qinghai, the Philippines, and Indonesia to perform plastic surgery for various communities. “Working in remote areas is indeed challenging, but many people in dire need cannot afford medical treatment in the cities, so it is even more important for us to reach out to them.”

Dr Lee has been travelling to Madagascar since 2019 to perform plastic surgery on children with cleft lips and palates. In Madagascar, the misfortune of these children is often seen as a curse, which results in their parents not allowing them to go out in public and denying them educational opportunities. By undergoing plastic surgeries, these children are given a chance to resume their normal lives. “Given the great poverty in the region and the long journey patients have to make to receive medical treatment, patients in Madagascar greatly appreciate the opportunity to have surgery. Therefore, we strive to treat their facial defects in one go.”

Dr Lee vividly remembers an 8-year-old girl who greeted the medical team joyfully when they arrived. Later, she learnt that the girl suffered severe malnutrition, weighting only 15 kilograms, which increased the risks associated with surgery. For years, local medical institutions could not provide her with the medical treatment she needed. Despite the unfavourable conditions, Dr Lee did her utmost to help her, and the surgery was a success that showed her the power of love and the profound meaning of humanitarian services. “The girl’s name means ‘never give up’. It is true that God did not give up on her and gave me strength and blessings for a successful operation.” Dr Lee believes that the success of every mission is the result of the collective efforts of the entire service team. She hopes to inspire more people to join them and make a difference to the vulnerable.  ”

“Humanity is to act with kindness and do the utmost to help those in need.”