Support children with facial differences in Taiwan

Like many 12-year-olds, Hsin-Hsin loves drawing, dancing, and dreaming big. However, her journey began under extraordinary circumstances. Born with cystic lymphangioma complicated by hemangioma (a rare vascular malformation), the lower half of her face and tongue were severely swollen at birth.

Before her umbilical cord was even cut, newborn Hsin-Hsin had to be urgently intubated. She underwent two major surgeries before her one-month birthday and continues long-term medication and therapy today—even learning how to care for her tracheostomy tube independently from a very young age.

Overcoming Social Stigma and Public Gazes

For children living with facial differences, dealing with the condition itself is often only half the battle. Public curiosity and stares present an ongoing emotional challenge.

Even when wearing a mask, Hsin-Hsin frequently drew attention in public. Watching her young daughter endure staring eyes took a heavy emotional toll on her mother:

"Back then, I felt so helpless and cried every day. I even thought about hiding her away so we wouldn't have to leave the house." — Hsin-Hsin’s Mother

Fearing her child would be hurt, her mother struggled to navigate public outings—until an early intervention social worker referred the family to Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation right before Hsin-Hsin started elementary school.

Rebuilding Confidence Through Psychological and Social Support

Sunshine Foundation provided comprehensive support for both Hsin-Hsin and her mother to help process years of anxiety and fear. Through specialized programs, the family found a safe space to heal:

• Play Therapy & Psychological Counseling: Helping young children process medical trauma and build healthy self-worth.
• Peer Group Activities & Campus Education: Fostering inclusive school environments so classmates learn empathy and facial equality.
• Parental Support: Guiding parents to reframe public reactions and raise resilient children without fear holding them back.

Turning Stares into Smiles

With time and ongoing support, meaningful changes began to take root. School life became filled with understanding and friendships. Hsin-Hsin learned to respond to public curiosity with grace and humor.

Now, when people stare at her in public, Hsin-Hsin turns to her mother with a bright smile and jokes:

"They must really like me!"

A recipient of the Sunshine Scholarship for her academic dedication and optimism, Hsin-Hsin shared her outlook on stage:

"I choose to face every day with a smile and a positive attitude."

Looking toward the future, Hsin-Hsin dreams of becoming an art teacher so she can share the beauty she sees in the world through her paintings.

How Your Donation Empowers Children Like Hsin-Hsin

Conditions that result in a visible difference like hemangioma, neurofibromatosis, burn injuries, etc. require years of specialized rehabilitation, pressure garments, and emotional support. Your contribution to Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation directly funds life-changing psychological counseling and social integration services for facial disfigurement survivors.

• $30 USD: Provides one hour of specialized play therapy for a child coping with medical trauma.
• $60 USD: Funds psychological counseling sessions to help parents navigate diagnosis and care.
• $120 USD: Supports campus education workshops that promote facial equality and combat school bullying.