Every child’s birth is a precious gift. The NKF Craniofacial Foundation officially launches the fourth edition of 'The First Touch' photo campaign, inviting parents across Taiwan to share the most touching moments of their newborns’ arrival through photographs, capturing the joy and hope of life’s beginning. The foundation hopes that through these authentic and moving images, the values of respecting life and embracing differences will be conveyed, while also showcasing the love and resilience demonstrated by craniofacial families when facing challenges.

Statistics show that in Taiwan, approximately one in every 600 to 700 newborns is born with cleft lip or palate, resulting in around 200 to 300 craniofacial infants entering the world each year. The NKF Craniofacial Foundation begins supporting families from the moment a mother learns during pregnancy that her baby has a craniofacial condition. Guided by the belief that 'imperfections in life can be filled with love,' the foundation has long been dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care—physical, psychological, and social—for patients with cleft lip and palate, microtia, and other congenital craniofacial conditions. Since its establishment, it has provided medical fee subsidies to over 46,000 underprivileged craniofacial patients and delivered professional social work services to 97,000 individuals, helping them access quality medical care and build self-confidence.

Chen Yi-Ling, Executive Director of the NKF Craniofacial Foundation, said, 'Every child’s birth deserves celebration. However, for some craniofacial families, welcoming a new life also means confronting medical and caregiving challenges. We’ve walked alongside countless families during their most uncertain times and witnessed many children grow up healthily thanks to the combined efforts of medical teams and their loved ones.'

She further emphasized, 'The First Touch is more than just a photo campaign—it’s a movement in life education. We invite the public to rediscover that every life holds equal value and the right to be loved. With greater understanding and acceptance from society, craniofacial families will feel less isolated. We sincerely invite parents across Taiwan to join this wave of inspiration!'

This year’s campaign specially invites artist Gemma Wu as the fourth edition’s Charity Ambassador. As a new mother herself, Wu recently visited a family with a newborn who had just undergone surgery, accompanying the foundation to gain firsthand insight into post-operative care routines and the immense dedication shown by parents.

While gently comforting the baby alongside parents during post-surgery cleaning and care, Wu shared emotionally, 'Even when I clean my baby’s nose at home, she cries out in discomfort—every mom feels heartbroken. Imagine how much stronger parents must be when caring for a baby just after surgery. Seeing them go through this adjustment period makes me want to give them all a big hug. Thanks to the extra care and attention from these parents, their children can successfully overcome this stage. These craniofacial parents are truly a thousand times braver than I am!'

Reflecting on this year’s theme, 'Thank You for Choosing Me as Your Parent,' Ambassador Wu admitted that she often wants to say the same words when gazing at her sleeping daughter late at night. She also expressed her hope to use her influence to help more people recognize the preciousness of life and the unwavering strength shown by craniofacial families.

The NKF Craniofacial Foundation hopes that through 'The First Touch' photo campaign, more families will share their treasured memories of welcoming new life, allowing society to see the equal value of every life—one photograph at a time. Selected entries are scheduled to be exhibited in a touring showcase at metro art galleries in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung ahead of Father’s Day 2027. Submission website: https://nncf.tw/9d5cfn

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: キャンペーン