Airnoy Lulu’s Story

Airnoy LuLu with her grandmother

A premature baby born with a rare abdominal condition defies the odds. Thanks to specialised care available nowhere else in Northern Laos.

Airnoy (translates to baby in Lao) Lulu was born earlier than expected. Delivered at just 32 weeks' gestation to an 18-year-old first-time mother, she arrived small and fragile. At birth, she was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a rare congenital condition in which the intestines develop outside the abdominal wall, with no protective sac.

She was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC). While gastroschisis is a rare birth defect, LFHC is the only hospital in Northern Laos equipped to treat it. Because of this, babies with complex surgical conditions like Airnoy Lulu are referred to LFHC from hospitals across the region, often travelling long distances to reach the care they need.

"Treatment cannot be rushed. It requires time, patience, and constant, careful observation to protect fragile organs, prevent infection, and support the baby's growth."

Dr. Vilaivone Senkeo (Pou), Neonatal ICU Manager

A Specialist Centre for a Rare Condition

Gastroschisis affects approximately 1 in every 2,000–5,000 births worldwide, yet the expertise and resources required to manage it safely are scarce in Laos. Since LFHC opened its doors, our team has cared for XX patients with this condition — achieving a survival rate of XX%. Without access to LFHC, the likelihood of survival for these babies would be very low. Many would have no viable treatment pathway at all.

LFHC's medical team has built deep expertise in managing gastroschisis, yet every case remains a complex and delicate undertaking. Drawing on the guidance of international volunteer surgeons and neonatologists, the team brings together paediatric surgeons, specialist nurses, and nutritional support staff in a truly collaborative effort, one where each member plays an indispensable role.

From her first days of life, Airnoy Lulu received meticulous care. Her exposed intestines were carefully protected to prevent infection and fluid loss. Gradually and safely, her intestines were returned to her abdomen as her body grew and adapted. This slow, staged approach is essential to avoid complications and to allow the abdominal wall to close properly.

Airnoy Lulu remained in hospital for three months. Over time, her tummy healed, her intestines were fully inside, and her abdominal wall closed successfully.

Now A Healthy Baby, A Grateful Family

Airnoy Lulu enjoying a snack of cucumber

Eight months have passed since those desperate early days, and Airnoy Lulu is unrecognizable from the fragile newborn who arrived at LFHC fighting for her life.

She is healthy, thriving, and growing stronger with every passing week; there have been no complications and no looking back.

Her grandmother, who stood vigil through the darkest moments without daring to hope, now cradles her grandchild with so many emotions. She never thought Lulu would make it. Back then, survival felt impossible. Today, it feels like a ‘miracle’, and that is exactly the word she uses.

For this family, LFHC is not just a hospital. It is the reason Lulu is here at all.

Airnoy Lulu's story is a reminder that some of our smallest patients require the most time, resources, and specialised care. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, LFHC is able to care for children with complex medical needs over weeks and even months  and support families through every stage of that journey.

Stories like Airnoy Lulu's are only possible because of donors who believe every child deserves a chance at life.