Immediate Host Family needed

When Thao was 5 years-old she was caught in a terrible fire. No one in the village knew Thao was in the fire, until she came crawling out. The fire was very intense and Thao suffered burns on over 50% of her body. Her face, scalp, hands and backside were all badly burned. She lost all of her fingers and half of her thumb on her right hand. Her left hand is so badly injured that the fingers and wrist are frozen with scarring.

Thao was rushed several hours to Ha Noi to receive emergency burn treatment. For the next several months she remained in Ha Noi. However, the burns became very infected and Thao was in a lot of pain. When the family returned to their country-side home she was treated with eastern medicines and the infections finally began to heal.

When Thao was 7 her mother moved to Taiwan in search of better employment, where she was able to send home some money to help pay for Thao’s mounting medical bills.

Thao was introduces to HSCV when she was 10 years old. Despite difficulties she has always been a good student. She can write by holding pen between her scarred fingers and she can use her thumb to grab. She tires very hard at everything she does.

Thao was approved for treatment by the ShinersHospital in Sacramento California in 2007. She arrived in America with her father Cong in September of 2007. Since then she has undergone many surgeries. The main focus has been on her face and her left had. For her face the doctors have been using a technique which involves the use of skin expanders. The expanders are placed under healthy skin and are slowly inflated over the period of 2 to 3 months. During this time Thao will visit the hospital on a weekly basis. Thao has undergone this procedure twice in the past year and a half, once for the front and once for the back of her head.=. Ideally doctors would like perform the process once more.

The damage to Thao’s hands is extensive. There isn’t a whole lot doctors can do to help her, but they hope a few surgeries will increase the function of the fingers on her left hand. Up to this point she has received 2 surgeries. Thanks to these surgeries Thao has gained some independence. She is able to tie her shoes and completely dress her self. She can also grasp things like pens and forks much easier.

Thao is currently attending the 4^th grade. Her English continues to approve each day. She is a top student in class and excels at math.

Thao is a warm and friendly child. She loves to have fun and is very silly and playful. She can be a bit shy around new people, especially children, but once she is comfortable is very out going.

Her father Cong is currently in America but will be returning to Vietnam in April or May 2009.

We are currently seeking a host family for Thao. She will remain in America for 6 to 18 months. We are seeking a host family willing to commit to at least 6 months.

HSCV will donate $300 each month to help the host family cover cost they incur.

Today we are seeking:

1. A support group to assist with transporting Thao to and from Shriner’s Hospital on a weekly basis as well as to assist Thao with her schooling.
2. A host family in the Sacramento area to take in Thao for at least 6 months. Her father will remain in America for up to a month after her placement.
3. Monetary donations to help assist with daily living and transportation costs while in the States.

If you can help or know someone who can help please contact Annetta De Vet at annettadevet@hscv.org.