The first three of 18 Cambodian children to be offered heart operations

in Malaysia are now recovering from the surgery.

The children, all from Siem Reap, are suffering life-threatening congenital heart

defects.

The surgery is being conducted at Penang Adventist hospital through its "Gift

of Life" program. Charities including Rotary Club International, the Latter

Day Saints Charities and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency have provided

assistance, as has Malaysian Airlines, which provided flights for the children and

their mothers. The Cambodian Government provided financial assistance to purchase

passports.