Senior TraMi Ly is one of the one in every 700 babies who are born with a cleft palate or lip. Ly has had the operation to fix her lip and mouth, however the problems that come with having cleft palate or lip can affect the developmental process in young children such as speech impediments and eating problems.

Now that Ly has overcome this challenge, she wants to give back to the babies who do not have the same opportunity she had.

Children throughout the world are diagnosed with cleft lips and palates, a common birth defect in which the lip or mouth of a newborn is split. In several cases, the defect results in a noticeable split on the mouth.

This project is very personal to Ly because she also used to have cleft lip so she understands what those children are going through and wants to help them.

“I was one of those children who needed medical assistance because of my cleft lip and palate. Being a child and having this condition was hard for me,” Ly said.

Since the school doesn’t allow clubs to collect money from students instead they’re asked for donations. Students have been asked to donate certain items that Operation Smile is in need of and are going to send them to their headquarters.

“Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity that helps children diagnosed with cleft lips and palates by providing safe and free surgeries,” Ly said.

These children don’t only have to deal with going through all those surgeries but also about wanting to be accepted by their peers. Not everyone is aware of this condition so they don’t understand it much.

“It wasn’t only the medical process; going to doctor appointments one after another, having a hard time learning to speak, eating or drinking, but it was hard socially. Because this condition is uncommon, it makes it harder for these children to feel accepted or to feel what most of their peers are, ‘normal’,” Ly said

The children who have this condition normally don’t have anyone to talk to or feel like people won’t understand how they feel but for Ly, in order to cope with everything she spoke to her doctors and or surgeons.

“It’s hard for them to talk about it when not that many people have a clue to what it actually is. However, my doctors/surgeons are my number one supporters because they gave me confidence in myself,” Ly said.

Ly introduced this project to AHS in order to spread awareness and so that people can understand what they go through. She also wants to give back and help the children who have this condition who may not be financially stable and or don’t know how to deal with what they’re going through.

“Overall, this was a personal project to myself by giving back to those who helped me. I introduced this project to AHS clubs/organizations because I wanted students to understand the importance of not being insecure about yourself,” Ly said.

Operation Smile is a great international charity that began in 1982 and is able to operate through medical volunteers. They help children who come from low and or middle income countries who cannot afford surgery by giving them the surgery for free. That is all possible because of people like Ly who take time out of their day to help promote it and organize donations for Operation Smile.

“Through Operation Smile they give children the chance to smile with confidence,” Ly said.

Donations will be taken until Tuesday, March 24. Anyone can donate items such as: sample size toothpaste, child size toothbrush, flashlights and D cell batteries, Ziploc bags (sandwich size), trash bags (55-gallon heavy duty), masking tape (one inch), thin 8.5 by 11 coloring books, eight count box of crayons, liquid bubbles, puzzles and pull toys.

Turn in all items in Rm. 283 with a name and club written if you want to get hours for NHS or Key Club.