Operation Smile: Transforming Lives of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Around 7 million people worldwide suffer from untreated cleft lip and palate conditions, a disparity often compounded by cultural stigmas and misinformation. In many regions, children born with clefts face isolation both from their families and society, as beliefs persist that such deformities are the result of witchcraft or parental wrongdoing.
Consider the story of little Kenny from Rwanda. Upon his birth, his parents, Dorcus and Eric, were both confounded and heartbroken by his cleft lip and palate, a condition they had never encountered before. They struggled with feelings of disappointment and confusion, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyful time. Their societal challenges began almost immediately; upon returning home from the hospital, they were confronted with ridicule and judgment, with people cruelly commenting on the perceived 'wrongness' of Kenny's condition.
In many cases, it is the mother who bears the brunt of the blame. Cultural norms often suggest that mothers are at fault due to suspicion of infidelity or other perceived failings. For Dorcus, while she was spared the fear of her husband leaving her because of Kenny's appearance — as Eric saw himself in his son's features — it was no less challenging for her to navigate the societal rejection that Kenny faced. "I had to fight against stigmas and taboos, comfort myself and accept that he was my son, even when others said he was not handsome," Dorcus recalls with sadness. To shield Kenny from the prying eyes of the public, she used to carry him discreetly wrapped in a blanket whenever they ventured outside.
It was during a visit to the hospital that things began to change. At just four months old, Kenny was brought to Kigali — a six-hour journey they undertook with hopes pinned on Operation Smile, an organization dedicated to offering free surgeries for children like him. Upon arriving at the bustling university hospital, the emotional weight of their experience began to lift. For the first time, Dorcus saw other children with similar conditions and felt a sense of solidarity and support as she realized she was not alone in this struggle.
The transformative day finally arrived when Kenny underwent surgery. For Dorcus, it was nothing short of a miracle. "This changes everything, especially for our family. Those who have struggled to accept him will do so now. And for me, this is a big change; now I don’t have to hide his face anymore. Now I can proudly show him off to everyone," she exclaimed upon seeing her son after the successful operation.
Just over a year later, the effects of the surgery were undeniable. Kenny, once hidden away, now runs freely around their family home in Gisenyi, a town nestled near the Congo-Kinshasa border. His father, Eric, who manages a hair salon and offers computer services, envisions a bright future for his son. "When we returned from the hospital, I was overjoyed. I want him to start school as soon as possible and to study technology," he declared with pride.
Operation Smile is a beacon of hope for many families across the globe. Founded in 1982 with a mission to perform free surgeries for children and adults suffering from cleft conditions in low to middle-income countries, the organization aims to ensure access to safe surgeries that significantly enhance health and quality of life. Currently operating in around 40 countries, Operation Smile not only focuses on transformative surgeries but also works diligently to strengthen healthcare capabilities in the communities they serve.
The stories of remarkable transformations like Kenny's serve as a reminder that with proper support and intervention, barriers created by ignorance and stigma can be dismantled. Today, when we think of ways to help children like Kenny, donations, and volunteer efforts with organizations like Operation Smile can bring about life-altering change for those in need.
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