Twin Brother’s Life-Saving Surgery

As she began to care for her newborn twin boys, So-forn was deeply concerned for one of her sons, Dar, because he’d been born with a cleft palate.

“When I saw him for the first time my knees went weak,” said So-forn. “And I said to myself ‘Why did this happen?’  My husband and I look fine.  Why is our son different?”

Dar’s Grandma Soar was also saddened by her grandson’s condition, but she was ready to help.

“I told my daughter-in-law, ‘if you don’t want to raise him, I will bring him to live with me because I love him so much,’” said Soar.

Others were not so kind and supportive.  

“The neighbors said I should throw him to the river,” said So-forn. “Another said to leave him in the woods for animal to eat.”
 
Dar’s dad is a hard worker.  Sometimes he worked three jobs to save money for surgery.     

“I didn’t have the money for an operation,” said Dar’s father. “I could barely save enough to buy formula for the twins. Sometimes my wife and I didn’t eat.”

Shortly before the COVID pandemic hit the nation of Cambodia, Dar’s parents took him to a clinic for vaccinations. There a doctor told them about Operation Blessing and their free surgery program. Operation Blessing then made it possible for Dar to receive free surgery at a hospital in a nearby city. When it was safe after COVID shutdown, we went back to see how Dar was doing!

“My son looked handsome,” said So-forn. “And he could eat without choking and crying and he is gaining weight.”

“Now everyone admired his sweet smile! I am so happy,” said Soar.

“I am so happy and grateful for the people who provided free surgery for my son,” said Dar’s father.

“Thank you so much for fixing my son’s lip,” said So-forn.