Because of her cleft lip and palate, Hsiao-Shih faced discrimination from the moment she was born. People around her would say things like, “You’re a cursed child.” Strangers would taunt her in public, saying, “How dare you shop for clothes when you look like that?” During job interviews, interviewer would ask, “Have you considered plastic surgery?” And whenever she shared her dreams, people would scoff and respond, “You should know your place.”

The cruelty she experienced taught her to face the harshness of the world alone. But at the age of 22, when severe tooth pain made chewing impossible, she came back to the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation (the NCF) and everything changed.

Compared to many other cleft patients, Hsiao-Shih’s situation was especially difficult. Her parents divorced when she was little. As long as she could remember, each family member was busy just trying to survive. Though they lived under the same roof, they lived completely separate lives.


In fact, the NCF had been involved in her care since birth, but it was mainly Hsiao-Shih’s mother who communicated with them. Her mother followed medical instructions provided by the NCF but never encouraged Hsiao-Shih to participate in any activities. “It wasn’t until I grew up that I finally understood what the NCF actually did.”

Due to severe malocclusion, Hsiao-Shih suffered from severe tooth decay. In 2022, while attending university, her dentist told her that she had to get braces and followed by additional orthodontic treatments. Which is a process far too expensive for a student who had always supported herself through part-time jobs.“I searched everywhere—for government aid, school subsidies—called every number I could find. Nothing worked… until I finally contacted the NCF.”

After discussing her case, the NCF’s social worker suggested a practical plan: pay for orthodontic treatment in installments and then apply for medical subsidies after accumulating two rounds of expenses. Hsiao-Shih eventually needed orthognathic surgery in 2024 to fix her bite. Though the cost was significant, the NCF helped reduce her financial burden, allowing the surgery to proceed. “I’m not afraid of the pain or discomfort from treatment. As long as the financial part is taken care of, I can face anything,” Hsiao-Shih said gratefully.

Seeing Hsiao-Shih’s courage, Ms. Lin Bi-Ju, director of the NCF at the Southern Office, felt deeply concerned.“Swelling, post-op pain, liquid diets for two weeks—all of these require someone nearby to help.” Ms. Lin gently encouraged her to reach out to her family, just in case.

“My sister lives in another city, I didn’t think she would come—but she agreed right away and brought her child to the hospital to be with me.” Hsiao-Shih recalled.


Though she had always felt distant from her family, this surgery unexpectedly helped restore those broken ties. With her sister and brother-in-law caring for her, the operation was a success. During her recovery, Hsiao-Shih couldn’t work, and once again the NCF stepped in—connecting her to emergency assistance programs and providing store vouchers for nutritional supplements for over six months.

“More than pain, what I remember from this surgery is love and support,” she said.

Thanks to the NCF’s help, Hsiao-Shih sees herself differently now: Honestly, I couldn’t have made this change by myself. Saying the NCF ‘changed’ my life doesn’t even capture it. It saved my life.”