Marple Newtown Grad Raises Funds for Orphan Boys Surgeries

A 2011 Marple Newtown High School graduate packed her bags and has been traveling throughout Asia to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Shaelyn Small, 20, of Newtown Square, knew from a young age that she wanted to travel the world and help others by simply bringing smiles to people's faces.

"Growing up, I always knew I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. Bringing a smile to every one I possibly can is the best feeling to me," Small says. "There is nothing more beautiful in this world then a true smile."

She picked the first country on her bucket list and traveled to Thailand to begin her journey in October.

Small visited an orphanage in Chiang Mai, Thailand and immediately realized their need for supplies and basic necessities, so she created her first Fundrazer page to raise money for clothes, school supplies, repairs and more. 

To date, Small has raised $1,480 for this fund, which has brought a big difference to the people of Chiang Mai.

But Small soon came across an even bigger cause that needed more attention and financial support when she met three orphan boys who desperately need eye care.

Small took, Jewa, Big Boy and Wera, who each have severe optical needs, to three different Chiang Mai hospitals where they were told, "it's not worth it," to correct their eyesight because they are orphans.

Small didn't give up and found a fourth doctor who diagnosed each boy and recommended glasses to correct 13-year-old Jewa's Esotropia, a disorder which turns eyes inward. Big Boy, who ironically is one of the smallest boys in the village, needs glasses for three months and then surgery and Wera, who can not control his eyes, desperately needs surgery to allow him to have control of his eyes and eyesight, Small says.

Now that there is a plan in place, all that is needed now is the money to fund the care. 

So Small created a second Fundrazer page and is asking for the support of her hometown to help these boys receive the healthcare they need.

Both Jewa and Big Boy's glasses have now been paid for but the surgeries still need to be funded, she says. 

Small needs to raise $4,500 in three months to pay for the surgeries and continued eye care for these three boys. 

As of Monday, she has raised $500. 

To help Jewa, Big Boy and Wera and Small's cause click here to donate directly to their fund. No donation is too small.