Twin brothers with cleft with mum and dad

Ou and Lak‘s story

In rural Thailand, twins Ou and Lak were both born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. Like many babies with cleft conditions, they struggled to feed and would choke on their milk, which was terrifying for parents Wanna and Manus.  

The costs of surgery were out of reach for the family, and it looked as though the twins were destined to face a life of ridicule and isolation. 

Thankfully, Wanna and Manus heard about an Operation Smile Thailand surgical programme taking place in nearby Ubon Ratchathani, where a team of medical volunteers could perform life-changing cleft surgery, free of charge.

Ou and Lak before their life changing cleft surgery

More than a new smile

Wanna was overjoyed with the results of her sons’ cleft lip surgery, and their new smiles. A year later, the twins had a second operation to repair their cleft palates, helping them to eat, drink, breathe and speak much more easily. 

By providing access to free, safe surgical care, Operation Smile gave Lak and Ou more than just new smiles. They now have the chance for the happy, healthy lives they deserve.

Ou and Lak after their life changing cleft surgery

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Twin brothers, both born with cleft lip and cleft palate, hold a photo of themselves before surgery