Support children with facial differences in Taiwan

After a decade-long relationship, Yu-Cen’s parent finally decided to tie the knot. They hadn't even had time to get used to their new roles as "husband" and "wife" when little Yu-Cen came into their life. Travel plans and gatherings with friends all made way for prenatal check-ups, ultrasound appointments, and parenting classes. On the day Yu-Cen was born, the effects of anesthesia hadn't worn off yet, and both parents were still a bit dazed when the nurse gently told them: "Your daughter has a birthmark on her face..."

A mother's love letter to her daughter

Dear Yu-Cen:

The first time we met you, a bright red birthmark covered three-quarters of your little face. Despite the pain of childbirth and the shock of your appearance, I fought back tears, smiled, and said, "Hey there, little baby. I'm your mom, and I'm so happy to meet you." You responded with a gentle smile, and I thought, "You must have been waiting for us for a long time."

On the tenth day of your journey on this Earth, your medical quest began. Fortunately, the pediatrician who examined you recognized your birthmark as a type of vascular tumor and introduced us to a doctor specializing in the treatment of this condition. The doctor explained the treatment options, but as parents, we anxiously asked if more tests were necessary. The doctor said: "She's still young. If she seems okay, there's no need for further tests." However, we didn't fully understand his intent. Due to our lack of knowledge about the condition, we continued seeking medical advice from dermatologists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, neurologists, and plastic surgeons until you were almost one year old. You endured needless suffering, and we later deeply regretted our choices. I wanted to apologize and say to you: "I'm so sorry, my child. I was just too afraid, and I ended up causing you pain."

For over six years, we accompanied you through countless laser treatments. Each time, we wiped away your tears and said, "Come on, let's keep going!" This became our daily routine—needles, blood tests, hundreds of needle marks on your body, and countless hospital visits. We watched as the marks on your face faded and then reddened again. The never-ending treatment left all of us feeling helpless and lost. After laser sessions, you couldn't expose your face to the sun. Yet, thinking about outdoor activities, you were filled with hope, saying: "I hope one day I can drink a cold beverage by the sea." When you were five years old, we finally made the decision to take you to the beach on a cloudy day. It was your first time touching the waves, and you excitedly asked, "Mom, what's this?" and wondered, "Mom, is my face better now?" In that moment, we felt immense pain, realizing that simple things like going to the beach and playing in the sea were much harder for you.

As you grew older, you became aware of people pointing and whispering, understanding that some children's laughter wasn't friendly. You began considering giving up treatment, asking before each laser session: "Is this the last time?" We could only comfort you, saying: "We've worked so hard for so long. Can we try one more time?" You responded with silence.

As your mother, I wanted to tell you that encountering doubters is something everyone faces, and it's tough not to care. I know how challenging it is. However, I also hoped that you would remain unafraid of being hurt, and that you would always be optimistic, kind, and willing to give back to others. Me and your father will always be by your side, cheering you on as you continue to move forward.

Sunshine supports parents of children with facial difference

Parents often face unexpected challenges when their child is born with a facial difference.

• Parents may initially struggle with the emotional impact of their child's appearance, trying to come to terms with it while providing the love and support their child needs.
• The journey also involves seeking medical advice, undergoing treatments, and enduring numerous procedures. Parents may face difficulties in making informed decisions about their child's treatment, seeking multiple opinions and doing unnecessary tests.
• Vascular malformations and hemangiomas require self-funded treatments like medications, laser surgeries, pressure garments, which can be a significant financial burden for young parents. Some parents accumulate debts to fund their child’s treatment while some can't bear it and give up on treatment.
• Then there are the hurtful comments of people: “You must have done something while you were pregnant for your child to be born like this.”

By supporting Sunshine, your donations allow us to:

• Provide individualized services to parents and children, with social workers helping parents navigate the complex medical process, understand their child’s condition and make informed decisions about treatment.
• Provide financial aid to partially cover treatment costs.
• Help parents discover their strength and resilience through psychological support and counseling, as well as parent support groups, so that they are equipped to encourage their child to face challenges head-on and continue striving for a better future.
• Help children with facial difference strengthen their emotional well-being and self-confidence through psychological support and counseling like play therapy.
• Create a supportive environment for a child with a facial difference at school through social education activities for classmates and school adaptation program.

During the Little by Little campaign, from Sept. 18 to Sept. 23, all eligible donations up to $50 per unique donor made to Sunshine by credit card or Paypal will be matched at 50% during the campaign*, and funds will not run out!

GlobalGiving’s September 2023 Little by Little campaign will last 5 days, from September 18, 2023, at 00:00:00 EDT to September 22, 2023, at 23:59:59 EDT. Don’t miss this opportunity to maximize your contribution!

* Donations above $50 USD will be matched on the first $50 USD. The match offer is restricted to donations made by unique donors per organization.

From May 17 to May 23, the whole community of people with visible differences celebrate Face Equality Week. In this inspiring report, we share the journey of Li-Yan, a 28-year-old who has faced the challenges of living with a vascular birthmark since birth. Li-Yan's story, with her resilience and determination to overcome societal judgment and embrace her true self, serves to illustrate the spirit of Face Equality.

Growing up under the weight of people’s stares

Li-Yan was born with a visible red vascular birthmark covering the skin below her nose to her neck, subjecting her to constant stares and ridicule from an early age. Lacking confidence and fearing social interactions, she struggled to find acceptance and experienced a sense of isolation.

Seeking a colorful life for herself

Despite these difficulties, Li-Yan always aspired to lead a vibrant life like everyone else. She actively explored the world, made friends, and pursued higher education. However, she encountered discomfort and distance from new acquaintances when they noticed her birthmark. Even online friends, who initially clicked well with her, drifted away or severed ties after seeing her photos. These experiences fueled self-doubt, eroded her trust in people, and led to periods of depression and self-harm, leaving Li-Yan feeling shattered.

Building her courage through learning and training

With the assistance of the psychologist, Li-Yan gradually healed her wounded heart and rebuilt her self-confidence. She participated in an empowerment project for youths with visible difference of Sunshine Foundation and eventually became one of the over 6,000 globally certified coffee quality assessors. Li-Yan also acquired skills in makeup, drawing, and video production to cultivate her online community. Through continuous practice in social interactions, people who knew her remarked on her growing self-assurance. However, Li-Yan acknowledges that this newfound confidence is a conscious effort she has worked hard to developed.

Conquering fear through international experiences

After obtaining her coffee quality assessor certification, Li-Yan applied for a working holiday in Australia. She shares, "That year spent abroad has given me tremendous courage. I am no longer afraid of encountering new people or experiences, especially when facing crowds!" Feeling empowered, she immersed herself in the food and beverage industry, willingly taking on both back-of-house and front-of-house responsibilities. She even challenged herself by establishing a new branch, continuously taking on new challenges to unlock her potential.

Promoting Face Equality

While Li-Yan's resilience strengthened through these challenges, she still regularly faces judgment from the outside world due to her birthmark. The lingering trauma of discrimination subtly pains her whenever she becomes the subject of stares. However, Li-Yan refuses to allow society's gaze to dictate her life. She believes that her birthmark does not define who she is and endeavors to raise awareness about vascular birthmarks and promote Face Equality. Thus, she started a video channel to help others understand vascular birthmarks and advocate for Face Equality. With over 4,700 followers, Li-Yan uses live broadcasts and videos to spread the idea that wanting to be beautiful is natural, but there’s no fixed definition of what beauty is.

Becoming a ray of sunshine and embracing individuality, Li-Yan states, "I used to wear makeup to conceal my birthmark, but now I do it for my own happiness." She aims to become a ray of sunshine, empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty and live life authentically.

Li-Yan's story serves as an inspiration for everyone facing adversity. Her journey from self-doubt and fear to empowerment and advocacy showcases the importance of embracing oneself and promoting inclusivity. Let us celebrate Li-Yan's courage and support her mission to create a friendlier world where everyone can confidently express their true selves.