Support children with facial differences in Taiwan

After a decade-long relationship, Yu-Cen’s parent finally decided to tie the knot. They hadn't even had time to get used to their new roles as "husband" and "wife" when little Yu-Cen came into their life. Travel plans and gatherings with friends all made way for prenatal check-ups, ultrasound appointments, and parenting classes. On the day Yu-Cen was born, the effects of anesthesia hadn't worn off yet, and both parents were still a bit dazed when the nurse gently told them: "Your daughter has a birthmark on her face..."

A mother's love letter to her daughter

Dear Yu-Cen:

The first time we met you, a bright red birthmark covered three-quarters of your little face. Despite the pain of childbirth and the shock of your appearance, I fought back tears, smiled, and said, "Hey there, little baby. I'm your mom, and I'm so happy to meet you." You responded with a gentle smile, and I thought, "You must have been waiting for us for a long time."

On the tenth day of your journey on this Earth, your medical quest began. Fortunately, the pediatrician who examined you recognized your birthmark as a type of vascular tumor and introduced us to a doctor specializing in the treatment of this condition. The doctor explained the treatment options, but as parents, we anxiously asked if more tests were necessary. The doctor said: "She's still young. If she seems okay, there's no need for further tests." However, we didn't fully understand his intent. Due to our lack of knowledge about the condition, we continued seeking medical advice from dermatologists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, neurologists, and plastic surgeons until you were almost one year old. You endured needless suffering, and we later deeply regretted our choices. I wanted to apologize and say to you: "I'm so sorry, my child. I was just too afraid, and I ended up causing you pain."

For over six years, we accompanied you through countless laser treatments. Each time, we wiped away your tears and said, "Come on, let's keep going!" This became our daily routine—needles, blood tests, hundreds of needle marks on your body, and countless hospital visits. We watched as the marks on your face faded and then reddened again. The never-ending treatment left all of us feeling helpless and lost. After laser sessions, you couldn't expose your face to the sun. Yet, thinking about outdoor activities, you were filled with hope, saying: "I hope one day I can drink a cold beverage by the sea." When you were five years old, we finally made the decision to take you to the beach on a cloudy day. It was your first time touching the waves, and you excitedly asked, "Mom, what's this?" and wondered, "Mom, is my face better now?" In that moment, we felt immense pain, realizing that simple things like going to the beach and playing in the sea were much harder for you.

As you grew older, you became aware of people pointing and whispering, understanding that some children's laughter wasn't friendly. You began considering giving up treatment, asking before each laser session: "Is this the last time?" We could only comfort you, saying: "We've worked so hard for so long. Can we try one more time?" You responded with silence.

As your mother, I wanted to tell you that encountering doubters is something everyone faces, and it's tough not to care. I know how challenging it is. However, I also hoped that you would remain unafraid of being hurt, and that you would always be optimistic, kind, and willing to give back to others. Me and your father will always be by your side, cheering you on as you continue to move forward.

Sunshine supports parents of children with facial difference

Parents often face unexpected challenges when their child is born with a facial difference.

• Parents may initially struggle with the emotional impact of their child's appearance, trying to come to terms with it while providing the love and support their child needs.
• The journey also involves seeking medical advice, undergoing treatments, and enduring numerous procedures. Parents may face difficulties in making informed decisions about their child's treatment, seeking multiple opinions and doing unnecessary tests.
• Vascular malformations and hemangiomas require self-funded treatments like medications, laser surgeries, pressure garments, which can be a significant financial burden for young parents. Some parents accumulate debts to fund their child’s treatment while some can't bear it and give up on treatment.
• Then there are the hurtful comments of people: “You must have done something while you were pregnant for your child to be born like this.”

By supporting Sunshine, your donations allow us to:

• Provide individualized services to parents and children, with social workers helping parents navigate the complex medical process, understand their child’s condition and make informed decisions about treatment.
• Provide financial aid to partially cover treatment costs.
• Help parents discover their strength and resilience through psychological support and counseling, as well as parent support groups, so that they are equipped to encourage their child to face challenges head-on and continue striving for a better future.
• Help children with facial difference strengthen their emotional well-being and self-confidence through psychological support and counseling like play therapy.
• Create a supportive environment for a child with a facial difference at school through social education activities for classmates and school adaptation program.

During the Little by Little campaign, from Sept. 18 to Sept. 23, all eligible donations up to $50 per unique donor made to Sunshine by credit card or Paypal will be matched at 50% during the campaign*, and funds will not run out!

GlobalGiving’s September 2023 Little by Little campaign will last 5 days, from September 18, 2023, at 00:00:00 EDT to September 22, 2023, at 23:59:59 EDT. Don’t miss this opportunity to maximize your contribution!

* Donations above $50 USD will be matched on the first $50 USD. The match offer is restricted to donations made by unique donors per organization.