The children are mostly from impoverished families of the Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai and Kon Tum, and central Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa provinces.

Doctors from the US Burn and Facial Reconstruction Mission and Quy Hoa National Leprosy Dermatology Hospital provide exams and surgeries.

The patients also have their travel and other expenses covered.

Cleft palate a common issue in Vietnam with one in 700 newborns suffering the condition.