Extraordinary People

2012 - The Baby With A New Face

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Little Viet was born with one of the world’s rarest facial deformities: a cleft palate and bilateral facial clefts. In the bone on each side of his face the two-year old has a two-inch gap, which will increase as he grows. His condition does not just affect the way he looks; it makes him blind in both eyes too. If Viet doesn't have surgery now, he will not be able to speak or eat properly – ever. This documentary is the story of one British medical team’s attempt to rebuild Viet’s face and offer him a future.

Viet’s mother, Nho, has been desperate for something to be done ever since her son was born. Now she has found hope in the form of Niall Kirkpatrick, one of the world’s leading cranio-facial surgeons. For years Niall has been going to Vietnam to help children with facial disfigurements, but when he meets Viet, he decides that his case is so complex that he needs to bring him back to the UK for surgery. We follow Viet and Nho as they travel from their small fishing village to London.

As Niall and his team embark on a series of lengthy and extremely challenging operations on her son, Nho has to cope with homesickness, anxiety and deeply unfamiliar surroundings. But if the operations have the effect everyone hopes they will, it will transform both of their lives.

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    • 20:05 21 Jul 2012
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Comments (18)

  • Pookyz

    4 months ago

    Pookyz

    A heart-warming journey that made me think how life -changing these surgeons are. I can't be legitimate about their kindness and determination. I wept and wept. This story is beautiful. I also can't miss out the bravery of the mother, Nho. Her inspiring commitment to her son really hit home. I was deeply and incredibly touched. She was so, so reassuring when she was frightened herself. Remarkable. And last, but defiantly NOT least, Viet himself. I was speechless at the connection he made with everyone. Wow. So it was truly brilliant for everyone, from everyone's determination. Exceptional.

  • lauren

    7 months ago

    lauren

    i really want to view this program is it limited to american ips can anyone suggest where else i can veiw it????

  • Eileen Adams

    9 months ago

    Eileen Adams

    What a remarkable job the surgeons did for this lovely child. It is incredible that there are such wonderful people in his world who are prepared to give up their own time to carry out these operations

  • Antonina

    10 months ago

    Antonina

    I cannot believe how many people gave up so much time to help Viet and his family out. Congratulations to all who selflessly gave their time and cared so genuinely. Good luck to Viet in the future.

  • DanielleAsh

    11 months ago

    DanielleAsh

    I was just about to cry. what a BRAVE boy. I loved it so much

  • kat

    11 months ago

    kat

    may god give strength and wisdom to sergeons like mr neill kirkpatrick for giveing someones face back is like giveing new lease of life good luck for the future viet

  • This comment was removed by a moderator

  • richard smith

    12 months ago

    richard smith

    I agree with all above. I hope all the programs are followed up. Its great all the help but you have to live with the people & understand there cultuer. This is a problem that was/is a corce of War & the people that did this should be brought to order.

  • dane

    12 months ago

    dane

    lovely story. Big up to all the people who volunteered, shows human compassion to the upmost. well done viet, u have a very strong fantastic mother ;0)

  • changeshappen

    12 months ago

    changeshappen

    This tv series is so interesting. Such a brave little boy. I think he is also cute whatever his face is.

  • Lolly

    12 months ago

    Lolly

    Viet is such an inspiring little boy. I wish for all the best for him in his hofully better future.

  • Danny

    12 months ago

    Danny

    Advances in medical science have came astonishingly far since the dawn of man, even compared to about 50 years ago the idea of giving someone a new face would of got you some strange looks! Best of luck to Viet in his future life, he's an absolute inspiration.

  • Phlox

    12 months ago

    Phlox

    Wonderful work by the surgeons, what a difference it's made, Viet still has a way to go, but, God bless now he can have a more normal life.

  • BelindaTombs-We

    12 months ago

    BelindaTombs-We

    What on earth is going on when you write good things and the so called moderator keeps removing it grrrrrr

  • BelindaTombs-We

    12 months ago

    BelindaTombs-We

    I cried such a brave little boy and I will never forget him. I hope so much that he does well in his life as I am sure he will with the incredible support he has from his family and friends. As to the surgeons you are brilliant people both in your skills and your compassion. Just brilliant, we should all remember how lucky we are

  • Belinda Webb

    12 months ago

    Belinda Webb

    I cried my eyes out when I watched this program. Viet is such a brave little boy and he has fantastic parents. The surgeons well what can you say they are remarkable how they have given this little boy a real hope in life. I wish viet and his family all the very best

  • Belinda J Webb

    12 months ago

    Belinda J Webb

    I cried my eyes out. Such a brave little boy and I will never forget him. The surgeons are so brilliant. For most of us we really don't know how lucky we are

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