The Journey with Thái Hiểu Đình to Reclaim Her Smile

My name is Thái Hiểu Đình.

I first came to Operation Smile in 2014 with a cleft lip and a complete cleft palate. Over the past eight years, I have undergone more than five surgeries at different hospitals to repair my lip, close my palate, revise scars, and reshape my nose.

Now, I’m 8 years old and in the 3rd grade. I really love going to school, participating in physical activities—especially my weekly dance classes. My dream is to grow up and work so I can take care of my mom.

My greatest companion through this journey has always been my mother. Ms. Vân Trịnh—Hiểu Đình’s mother—shared:
“I hope Đình’s story can inspire all mothers whose children are born with facial deformities to stay optimistic and strong on the path to healing. Thank you to Operation Smile for giving my daughter a beautiful smile. I hope the community will continue to support Đình’s treatment and that more children like her will have the chance to receive surgery.”

In the future, Đình will still need to undergo further surgeries, including palate expansion and bone grafting, to complete her treatment. But with the courage she has built since she was 6 months old—through 8 years of childhood—with the boundless love and determination of her family, along with the support of doctors, nurses, and countless kind-hearted individuals, Operation Smile believes the wounds on her face and in her heart will be healed. More importantly, Đình will live a life full of joy and follow her dreams like any other child in the world.

Let us continue to believe that the love we give to these children, and even the smallest contributions, can create miracles—brightening the lives of those born with cleft conditions. These children deserve more love, care, and access to the medical treatment that will restore their smiles and allow them to grow up just like any other child.