Introduction:
To commemorate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday on August 12, 2009 (and her actual 80th birthday in 2012), the Foundation for Supporting Children’s Heart Surgery launched a project to provide 800 life-saving heart surgeries for children born with congenital heart defects. This project aims to offer assistance to underprivileged children from all regions of Thailand, including children from hill tribes and stateless children residing along the Thai border, who lack access to timely and essential cardiac care. The goal is to enable these children to live normal lives.
Rationale:
Many children in remote and impoverished areas of Thailand lack access to crucial heart surgeries. This project directly addresses this critical need by providing comprehensive support, including travel, accommodation, meals, and any necessary additional medical expenses.
Objectives:
To provide 800 life-saving heart surgeries for children with congenital heart defects, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, as a royal dedication.
Target Groups:
1. Thai Citizens: Children with congenital heart defects who are Thai citizens and have universal healthcare coverage (Gold Card). The Foundation will cover additional medical and surgical expenses, travel, and accommodation as needed, on a case-by-case basis.
2. Non-Thai Citizens: Children with congenital heart defects who are not Thai citizens. The Foundation will cover all medical and surgical expenses, travel, and accommodation, on a case-by-case basis.
Supporting Organization:
Nu Skin Enterprises (Thailand) Ltd. will assist with fundraising activities throughout the project duration and with public relations efforts in collaboration with the Foundation for Supporting Children’s Heart Surgery.
Project Summary (August 12, 2009 – May 31, 2012):
A total of 883 children received heart surgeries.
