Walk Alongside Shijun

This cycle of frustration and heartbreak came to an end when Shijun’s uncle discovered new information while visiting a friend at a local hospital in Bijie City.

After mentioning to the nurse that his nephew had a cleft lip, they immediately told him about Operation Smile China.

Learning that the organization had a surgical program scheduled in Dafang in the coming weeks, Shijun’s uncle rushed home to tell his family the exciting news.

Just like every other attempt at getting his son surgery, Paidong felt both hopeful and anxious in the weeks leading up to the Operation Smile China surgical program. But he was filled with relief knowing that his family wouldn’t be responsible for the cost of transportation to the program site and the surgical care Shijun would hopefully receive.

Soon, it was time for Shijun and his uncle to travel to the surgical program. Paidong made plans to return to Dafang County to meet them at the program site – there was no way he would miss this opportunity.

After a comprehensive health evaluation, Shijun was cleared for surgery by our volunteer medical team and scheduled for his operation to repair his cleft lip.

When it comes to our work of delivering exceptional cleft care to people around the world, the safety of our patients has been, and will always be, our greatest priority.

Throughout the screening process, medical volunteers take patients’ blood pressure, temperature and other vitals to ensure that there are no underlying health concerns that would risk the patient’s safety during surgery.

On the morning of his scheduled surgery, Shijun was excited and couldn’t wait to see his new smile for the first time. He began to think of everything he wanted to do after surgery including play basketball with his friends without fear of being teased.

When he looked in the mirror and saw his smile for the first time, he said, “Thank you, thank you I feel good.”

A few days following his surgery, Shijun returned to his grandparents’ home where family and neighbors were thrilled to see how much of a difference one surgery can make.

There were weeks filled with happiness among his family and friends. But a tragic accident halted all celebrations when Shijun fell and broke his leg, delaying his cleft palate surgery.

Paidong shared with us that he works hard to earn enough money to pay for the surgeries Shijun needs to recover from the compound fracture.

But he’s grateful to Operation Smile China and its devoted community of volunteers who took care of his son. Paidong knows that when it’s time, he will not have the financial burden of also paying for Shijun’s cleft palate surgery.

Looking at Shijun today, it’s difficult to tell that he once had a cleft lip.

Operation Smile is committed to providing patients with health that lasts – we look forward to providing Shijun with the additional surgery he needs for his cleft palate and any other essential treatments he needs to live a happier and healthier life.