Benjie is an adorable little 5-year-old boy and was one of the team's favorites from the Galleres Memorial Hospital.  Aside from being adorable, he needs both cleft palate and lip repair.  He has other birth defects that he will struggle with so we're hoping his cleft palate and lip surgery will give him an early start building his confidence by being able to speak clearly, eat normally, and smile brightly.

Benjie lives with his mother, father, brother, and ailing grandmother in a small three room house that was built by his grandparents.  Benjie's father hasn't had a job in about 4 years.  He and his wife work for themselves fishing, farming or trading to take care of their family.  They make about 350 pesos a day ($7.50 USD).  Because of this, the family has not been able to afford the surgery Benjie so badly needs.

Thanks to our surgical team, Benjie's surgery is a success.  His mother and father couldn't be any happier with the outcome.  The team is thrilled they can give Benjie the opportunity to thrive and grow like other boys in his village.

 

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