For four-year-old Thao, something as simple as breathing through her nose has never been possible.

Born with an extremely rare craniofacial condition known as cleft number 0, Thao has faced challenges from the very beginning of her life. Unlike a typical cleft palate, doctors say her condition is much rarer and more complex.

Thao is unable to speak and cannot breathe normally through her nose, meaning she has had to rely on breathing through her mouth. Her father, Duong, has spent years watching his little girl struggle while doing everything he can to find the care she needs.

“Thao can hear us and understands what we say, but sometimes she needs more time to understand and respond,” her father explained. “I just want her to have a chance to live more comfortably.”

Her journey has been made even more difficult by the family’s circumstances.

Thao’s parents separated when she was still very young, and her mother left when Thao was only a few months old. Since then, her father has raised her and her two older brothers, aged seven and eight, on his own.

Duong normally works as a construction worker to support his three children. But as Thao’s condition became more difficult, he had to stop working so he could take her to medical appointments and stay by her side.

Now, doctors are preparing to perform reconstructive surgery on Thao.

Although the operation itself will be provided free of charge, her father still faces the cost of medication, nutrition and daily care during her recovery. With no regular income while caring for his children, even these basic expenses have become a heavy burden.

Duong knows the surgery may be complicated, but he is holding tightly to hope.

“I know this will not be an easy journey,” he said. “But I hope the doctors can help improve her face and, most importantly, give my daughter a chance to speak.”

For this devoted father, the upcoming operation is about far more than a medical procedure. It is a chance for Thao to experience a future with fewer barriers and more opportunities to communicate with the people who love her.

“I don’t ask for anything for myself,” Duong said. “I just hope my children can be healthy and that Thao can have a better life.”

As the surgery approaches, the family is hoping for support from the community to help them through the difficult days ahead.