Recently, a reader got in contact with me after reading my post about cleft lip babies and how we can help them.

A recent scan of her unborn child had shown him to have a cleft palate. Her gynaecologist wasn’t able to offer her the guidance she needed, so I connected her with Jesta, a fellow cleft parent who is also a volunteer with Operation Smile Singapore and KK Hospital’s Cleft and Craniofacial Centre.

She now has the support she needs and has decided to keep her baby.

It warms my heart that there are organisations in Singapore actively reaching out to help parents and patients in need.

Next week, Operation Smile Singapore will be undertaking its first major Asian mission to reach out to patients in more needy parts of the world.

On Aug 20, a mission group will be going to Urumqi, Xin Jiang, China, to operate on 75 children to repair their cleft lip and palates. The surgical part of the mission is expected to last a week — three days of surgery and four days of post-operative care and training.

Here’s an example of how Operation Smile (Global) has helped kids from all over the world. (Click on image for more stories.)

For the coming mission to Urumqi, Jesta has been accepted as a volunteer photographer with the mission and will be using the pictures he takes for Operation Smile Singapore’s stock library and a photography exhibition for the Singapore Biennale.

I’m also very pleased to announce that Jesta will be guest blogging on Sheylara.com about his trip, internet connection permitting.

Do watch out for his posts, which will be marked by this banner:

These mission trips to help children are made possible by public donations. If you wish to help, you can donate directly to Operation Smile Singapore.

Thank you for reading.

And I wish the mission team to Urumqi safety and success.