Late last year I was asked to take over as LWB's Medical Director, replacing our dedicated and hard-working previous director, Kate Finco. While intimidated by the size of the job, I made the decision to take on the position, knowing that it would be tough to fill her shoes. While I cannot say it has been easy, I can say I'm increasingly grateful for the amazing and loyal donors, volunteers, and friends we have that support the Medical Program in so many tangible and intangible ways. I continue to learn firsthand that when we share a passion to serve orphaned and impoverished children half a world a way, there is no limit to what can be done when we join forces, despite our individual limitations!

I was blessed to be asked to speak to a group of sixth grade girls in my hometown of Edmond, Oklahoma, about LWB's upcoming cleft exchange. These girls are part of a faith based group that meets regularly, and, as part of their desire to participate in service opportunities, they wanted to know how they could help with our upcoming Cleft Exchange in Kaifeng, Henan, next month. The girls chose to make bibs for the children who will be attending the exchange, and they were abuzz with excitement as they cut and ironed fabric, sewed the pieces together, and created the cutest bibs ever! Click here to read more about the Cleft Exchange, which will take place from April 15th to 20th at Kaifeng Children's Hospital and look forward with us to the upcoming photos of the kids with their new smiles, while wearing these darling bibs that a group of girls on the other side of the world made for them because they care.

Our annual Born in My Heart Art Auction will be taking place around the same time from April 12th to 17th. Information on donating items and some of the items that will be available in the auction can be found in the sidebar article on the left. Proceeds from the auction will be used for children in need of urgent medical care, and children's lives will be changed because of the generosity of all donors and shoppers who participate!

Lastly, our Unity Fund program has grown exponentially over the last six months. We are being contacted weekly regarding impoverished families asking for assistance to provide needed medical care for their children. Click here to read more about this program and some of the children who are benefiting from the funds and learn of a unique opportunity to contribute to this fund. 

While I still have so much to learn about this new role I am in, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside an amazing team of volunteers, generous and loyal donors, and friends who desire to support LWB in ways that I could not have imagined in order to bring hope and healing to vulnerable children in China. I look forward to all that we can accomplish together, for the children!