It's All I Have

*UPDATE* Out of the 175 people that saw this post, 9 of you that went to my link and donated; I'm so grateful for your decision to make a difference.  Because of you 2 kids received life changing operations they desperately needed.  To make it even better, Operation Smile has a donor that will match everything raised so we actually saved 4 kids!!!  We can do better.  You can be one of those people that gives just a little to make a huge difference.  Don't just look and wish you could do something because you can.  Even $20 makes a difference.  The donor will still match what you donate so it's as if you are giving twice the amount.  WE ONLY HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!!!! http://support.operationsmile.org/site/TR?px=1956153&fr_id=1400&pg=personal

My 9 year old daughter overheard me talking about raising money this week for the children in Vietnam and how many are already being turned away because there just isn't enough money.  A few minutes later she walked up to me, held up $3 in her hand and said, 

"Here mommy, it's all I have."

I still get emotional thinking about it.  $3 is a lot to her.  She works hard doing chores to get money.  If she can give everything her little hands have worked so hard to earn why can't we as adults give $20 to save a life?  Skip going out to eat this week and help me save a child's life. Please.  Go to this link and donate, we only have until Sunday: http://support.operationsmile.org/site/TR?px=1956153&fr_id=1400&pg=personal

I just received this email from Max Ryan, Senior Program Coordinator for Operation Smile.  He is in Vietnam right now.

Suzanne, 

I'm in the midst of our medical mission in Vietnam — but I wanted to thank you for your support and send you some quick pictures (above) that were taken yesterday of the children we're trying to help in Quang Ngai. 

First the good news ... 

On Tuesday we provided life-changing surgery for 27 patients and on Wednesday 27 more. Today we completed surgery for another 30 patients. That's 84 lives we've transformed so far this week. Tomorrow will be another busy day!

I'm always excited to report the good news first from our medical missions — it's the second part I always hate. 

You may have seen the report of our first day of the medical mission that our CEO Bill Kliewer sent earlier this week: on Monday our medical team provided comprehensive healthcare evaluations for over 200 patients. Our team was only prepared to treat slightly over 100. 

That leaves another 100 patients in grave danger. And remember, it is estimated that 1 in 10 children born with a cleft will die without surgery.

That night, our staff had to explain to parents and their children why we couldn't help them, why we had to turn them away — simply because of a lack of time and resources. 

I was devastated.

But here's an opportunity. If we can secure enough resources now, we can continue to treat every last child we met today that returns for help. Please, Suzanne — help us reach those children. Donate before 11:59 PM CST Sunday and your gift will DOUBLE in impact. 

Thank you from Operation Smile and all of us here in Vietnam. 

Sincerely,

Max Ryan 
Senior Program Coordinator 
Operation Smile 

Here are photos taken of children saved this week. They are real.  They need us.  They need you.