“Dream high 2025”: An 11-Year Journey of "Reviving" Deformed Hands and Legs

The “Dream high 2025” program  marks the 11-year journey of Hong Ngoc General Hospital in collaboration with the NUOY Organization, providing free reconstructive surgeries for congenital limb deformities and opening doors to a brighter future for many underprivileged individuals.

Continuing an 11-Year Mission of Free Surgeries, Bringing Hope to Those in Need

Over the past 11 years, the "Dream high" program has provided free medical examinations to more than 300 patients and successfully performed limb reconstruction surgeries for over 100 individuals with congenital deformities. These efforts have not only restored physical function but also healed emotional wounds, paving the way for a brighter future for those facing adversity.

Experts from Hong Ngoc Hospital and Nuoy Organization examined for patients

This year, the program has examined over 30 patients from across the country suffering from limb deformities and has selected five eligible cases for free surgery. Following thorough screening, orthopedic specialists from the NUOY Organization, in collaboration with the Orthopedic Trauma Unit of Hong Ngoc General Hospital, carried out corrective surgeries for these cases from March 10 to March 13, 2025.

Associate Professor Dr. Brett F. Michelotti – Director of Research, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wisconsin - Madison, and Representative of the NUOY Organization, shared: “This year’s cases primarily include clubhand, clubfoot, polydactyly, syndactyly, and other congenital limb deformities. For these conditions, surgery remains the most effective method to improve both function and aesthetics for patients. In this surgical mission, we applied an advanced tendon transfer technique, particularly suited for cases of prolonged nerve paralysis or limb contractures and deformities. This approach helps balance muscle forces, restoring the limb to a more natural state.”

Performing the surgery in the operating room at Hong Ngoc General Hospital.

Expert Evaluation of This Year's Cases, Dr. Le Quang Huy, Head of the Orthopedic Trauma Unit at Hong Ngoc General Hospital - Phuc Truong Minh, also noted: "Most patients who came for examination had already reached a late stage, having missed the 'golden window' for surgery. This significantly increases the complexity of treatment. Therefore, following thorough preoperative evaluations, the medical team from both Hong Ngoc General Hospital and the NUOY Organization conducted in-depth consultations to develop the most effective surgical plans tailored to each patient, aiming to maximize functional recovery." Postoperatively, all patients are in stable condition, showing good progress, and are undergoing rehabilitation therapy. They will be reevaluated for functional outcomes two weeks after surgery.

After Surgery: A New Chapter for Patients with Congenital Limb Deformities

Each year, the "Dream high" program brings new opportunities to hundreds of children born with limb deformities, helping them regain mobility and realize their dreams—whether it's grasping objects, walking, or achieving independence in daily life.

One such fortunate case is Le Nguyen Nhat Linh, a 5-year-old girl. Linh suffered from scar contractures on her right hand following a previous syndactyly release surgery, causing her fingers to curl and preventing her from fully extending them. This severely limited her ability to grasp objects and perform everyday tasks. To restore function, doctors performed a Z-plasty flap surgery, allowing her fingers to straighten and move more freely.

Linh’s mother shared: “Every time my daughter asked, ‘Mom, why can’t I lift two fingers like my friends?’ I could only cry, feeling helpless. Now, seeing her hand gradually recovering after surgery feels like a dream come true. She no longer has to live in self-doubt or insecurity. Our family is deeply grateful to the program and Hong Ngoc Hospital for giving her this chance.”

Le Nguyen Nhat Linh before and after surgery 

For Khanh Linh, a 26-year-old woman born with a clubhand deformity, life has been a journey of perseverance. From a young age, she was aware of her differences and worked even harder to excel in both academics and life. Despite graduating with honors in Law from Thai Nguyen University, her hand deformity became a significant barrier, making it difficult to secure suitable employment.

Tran Khanh Linh before and after surgery 

After undergoing tendon transfer surgery combined with wrist flexor lengthening to improve mobility, Linh shared her joy: “With this new hand, I truly believe I can continue my dream of becoming a lawyer—supporting myself, my family, and advocating for the underprivileged in society. I am incredibly grateful to Hong Ngoc Hospital. Without their support, I don’t know when I would have been able to undergo surgery and change my life.”

Associate Professor Dr. Brett Michelotti stated: “The NUOY Organization and Hong Ngoc General Hospital hope to expand this initiative further, healing physical deformities and opening brighter futures for those in need.”

The "Dream high" journey will continue, carrying out even greater missions to help more underprivileged individuals regain their healthy hands and feet. For inquiries about the “Dream high” program, please contact 093 223 2017.  

The “Dream high 2025” program  marks the 11-year journey of Hong Ngoc General Hospital in collaboration with the NUOY Organization, providing free reconstructive surgeries for congenital limb deformities and opening doors to a brighter future for many underprivileged individuals.

Continuing an 11-Year Mission of Free Surgeries, Bringing Hope to Those in Need

Over the past 11 years, the "Dream high" program has provided free medical examinations to more than 300 patients and successfully performed limb reconstruction surgeries for over 100 individuals with congenital deformities. These efforts have not only restored physical function but also healed emotional wounds, paving the way for a brighter future for those facing adversity.

Experts from Hong Ngoc Hospital and Nuoy Organization examined for patients

This year, the program has examined over 30 patients from across the country suffering from limb deformities and has selected five eligible cases for free surgery. Following thorough screening, orthopedic specialists from the NUOY Organization, in collaboration with the Orthopedic Trauma Unit of Hong Ngoc General Hospital, carried out corrective surgeries for these cases from March 10 to March 13, 2025.

Associate Professor Dr. Brett F. Michelotti – Director of Research, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wisconsin - Madison, and Representative of the NUOY Organization, shared: “This year’s cases primarily include clubhand, clubfoot, polydactyly, syndactyly, and other congenital limb deformities. For these conditions, surgery remains the most effective method to improve both function and aesthetics for patients. In this surgical mission, we applied an advanced tendon transfer technique, particularly suited for cases of prolonged nerve paralysis or limb contractures and deformities. This approach helps balance muscle forces, restoring the limb to a more natural state.”

Performing the surgery in the operating room at Hong Ngoc General Hospital.

Expert Evaluation of This Year's Cases, Dr. Le Quang Huy, Head of the Orthopedic Trauma Unit at Hong Ngoc General Hospital - Phuc Truong Minh, also noted: "Most patients who came for examination had already reached a late stage, having missed the 'golden window' for surgery. This significantly increases the complexity of treatment. Therefore, following thorough preoperative evaluations, the medical team from both Hong Ngoc General Hospital and the NUOY Organization conducted in-depth consultations to develop the most effective surgical plans tailored to each patient, aiming to maximize functional recovery." Postoperatively, all patients are in stable condition, showing good progress, and are undergoing rehabilitation therapy. They will be reevaluated for functional outcomes two weeks after surgery.

After Surgery: A New Chapter for Patients with Congenital Limb Deformities

Each year, the "Dream high" program brings new opportunities to hundreds of children born with limb deformities, helping them regain mobility and realize their dreams—whether it's grasping objects, walking, or achieving independence in daily life.

One such fortunate case is Le Nguyen Nhat Linh, a 5-year-old girl. Linh suffered from scar contractures on her right hand following a previous syndactyly release surgery, causing her fingers to curl and preventing her from fully extending them. This severely limited her ability to grasp objects and perform everyday tasks. To restore function, doctors performed a Z-plasty flap surgery, allowing her fingers to straighten and move more freely.

Linh’s mother shared: “Every time my daughter asked, ‘Mom, why can’t I lift two fingers like my friends?’ I could only cry, feeling helpless. Now, seeing her hand gradually recovering after surgery feels like a dream come true. She no longer has to live in self-doubt or insecurity. Our family is deeply grateful to the program and Hong Ngoc Hospital for giving her this chance.”

Le Nguyen Nhat Linh before and after surgery 

For Khanh Linh, a 26-year-old woman born with a clubhand deformity, life has been a journey of perseverance. From a young age, she was aware of her differences and worked even harder to excel in both academics and life. Despite graduating with honors in Law from Thai Nguyen University, her hand deformity became a significant barrier, making it difficult to secure suitable employment.

Tran Khanh Linh before and after surgery 

After undergoing tendon transfer surgery combined with wrist flexor lengthening to improve mobility, Linh shared her joy: “With this new hand, I truly believe I can continue my dream of becoming a lawyer—supporting myself, my family, and advocating for the underprivileged in society. I am incredibly grateful to Hong Ngoc Hospital. Without their support, I don’t know when I would have been able to undergo surgery and change my life.”

Associate Professor Dr. Brett Michelotti stated: “The NUOY Organization and Hong Ngoc General Hospital hope to expand this initiative further, healing physical deformities and opening brighter futures for those in need.”

The "Dream high" journey will continue, carrying out even greater missions to help more underprivileged individuals regain their healthy hands and feet. For inquiries about the “Dream high” program, please contact 093 223 2017.