tfw99 - January 12th, 2007

Dear Friends,

Welcome to TFW’s first trip log! I hope that the stories and pictures that you will see inspire you as much as they have for me over the past few days.

I am writing to you from Chiangrai, which is 785 km north from Bangkok. Chiangrai is located in the golden triangle gateway that links Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. It is the home of many tribespeople and migrant workers from Laos and Myanmar who seek to earn a living in the more prosperous and peaceful Thailand. Here is where TFW has partnered with the Northern Women Development Foundation, an organization linked to the YMCA that seeks to improve the living conditions and rights of women in Thailand. TFW’s project reaches out to the poorest and most neglected sectors of Thailand as well as to migrant workers whose children cannot access medical care because they lack of an identity card such as the ones that Canadians have to access universal health care.

My 26 hour trip from Canada brought me to Kongpon Suebsiri’s home. Kongpon is an energetic little boy born with cleft palate. He is 5 ½ years old but is as tall as a three year old in Canada. Tuberculosis took a toll on his mother’s health during her pregnancy with Kongpon.

Kongpon, with his grandfather and local TFW staff.

Kongpon was born with a cleft palate (opening in roof of mouth), which did not help him to gain sufficient weight as an infant. Sadly, Kongpon’s father abandoned the family after Kongpon’s first birthday. Kongpon’s mother cannot work due to the lasting effects of TB, and the family is sustained by his 80 year old grandfather.

The family’s living conditions are very basic. Earning less than $2 per day, Kongpon’s grandfather could not cover the costs of a cleft operation.

Thanks to the support of TFW and the funds raised by the 9th Courtice Brownies Group, Kongpon successfully underwent cleft palate surgery. The Brownies learned about Kongpon and his family, and they raised funds for his surgery through a "bike hike" full of fun during the fall of 2006. News about their efforts brought tears to Kongpon’s family, who were very grateful.

As I left Kongpon’s home I was touched by the dedicated support that has crossed borders and reached Kongpon's family. I was impressed by the commitment of local project staff who are ensuring the family’s wellbeing by referring them to social assistance programs that can help the family's health and living conditions.

Finally, I hope that Kongpon's story also helps you to take stock of your own lives, and feel inspired to reach out to others around the world.

Until next time,

Esteban Lasso
TFW’s Executive Director