Deafness in his left ear, he is still admitted to the Department of Medicine of National Taiwan University. A 20-year-old young man suffering from microtia plays the piano to fulfill his dream.

Born with an underdeveloped left ear and hearing loss, 20-year-old Xiao Yuhong has been looked at as odd since childhood. He even made the mistake of not paying attention in class because he could not hear the teacher clearly. However, he did not give up on his dream. Not only was he admitted to the Department of Medicine at National Taiwan University, he also practiced violin for more than ten years. Today at the awards ceremony of Luo Huifu Craniofacial Foundation, he used the sound of the piano to encourage other craniofacial children to bravely pursue their dreams.

Luo Huifu Craniofacial Foundation TodayNational Taiwan University The International Conference Center of the hospital held the 25th Northern Region Awards Ceremony of “Diffus Youth Scholarship” to appreciate craniofacial youth who have excelled in academics, arts and other fields. Since the scholarship began in 2002, a total of 3,619 people have been awarded the scholarship. This year, a total of 212 young people in Taiwan have received the “Blessed Youth Scholarship”, with a total bonus of NT$1.795 million.

“Although microtia limits my hearing on the left side, it makes it more difficult for me to perceive the world on the right.” Xiao Yuhong, a second-year medical student at National Taiwan University, was born with left-sided microtia and hearing loss in the left ear. During his studies, he was looked at strangely due to the unusual appearance of his ears. However, with hard work, he graduated from the science class of Jianguo Middle School and was admitted to the Department of Medicine of National Taiwan University with the determination to become a surgeon.

Another 14-year-old girl with a cleft lip and palate, Jian Jie, was diagnosed with mild Asperger syndrome when she was in sixth grade. In the past, because she was not good at detecting other people’s emotions, she was often afraid of crowds and didn’t even like going to school. From having only two classmates in a rural elementary school to living on campus in a junior high school, she had to live with more than 20 classmates, which was a challenge for her. With his mother and the support of the Foundation’s activities, he gradually moved out of his own world. She also worked as a group leader at a summer camp and inspired other craniofacial children to participate in activities.

Zheng Yuxuan, 19, also suffers from unilateral microtia and is currently a first-year student at National Taipei University of the Arts. He has loved painting since childhood and has won many awards in national student art competitions. This year she won a special talent scholarship. Unlike some patients who lack self-confidence due to differences in their appearance, she is accustomed to braiding her long hair and freely showing off her distinctive small ears, believing that there is no need to deliberately hide the difference in her appearance.

Luo Huifu Craniofacial Foundation’s “Defu Youth Scholarship” has entered its 24th year. According to the data, out of the 212 recipients this year, 70 are in the junior college category, followed by 48 in the junior high school category, 44 in the high school vocational category, 16 in the master and doctoral category, 22 in the special talent award and 12 in the bursary category. The number of special talent winners has increased from 8 in 2021 to 22 this year, showing that youngsters with skull facial hair continue to showcase their talent in diverse fields like arts and sports.

Weng Fenhua, director of the Luo Huifu Craniofacial Foundation, said that in addition to facing congenital diseases, craniofacial children may also suffer from interpersonal pressure caused by appearance differences. In addition to providing scholarships and scholarships, the Foundation also provides after-school talent subsidies for economically disadvantaged families, hoping that children will not be limited by their innate circumstances and can bravely achieve their life goals through mutual cooperation.