Cape Town - Tygerberg Hospital again celebrated success after putting smiles on many faces, thanks to their annual cleft lip and craniofacial surgeries.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects affecting one in 2 000 children in Africa.
It happens when a baby’s lip or mouth doesn’t form completely during pregnancy, causing an opening in a baby’s upper lip or in the roof of a baby’s mouth.
This often results in medical difficulties and facial differences.
The hospital, through the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and the Smile Foundation, annually treats more than 200 new and follow up cases of children born with the condition.
For more than a decade the Smile Foundation has invested in the funding of the tailored surgeries and recovery at the hospital.
The foundation is also known for investing in the infrastructure of the hospital.
This is done by purchasing medical equipment, upgrading the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s existing facilities and sponsoring academic skills for surgeons, nurses and other medical personnel.
Head of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tygerberg Hospital, Professor Nick Kairinos, said without the support of the foundation, providing help would’ve been an uphill battle.
Okuhle Solani, mom of five-year-old Lesedi, who was born with cleft lip and palate, said her daughter has not stopped smiling since receiving help at the hospital.
Lesedi from Paarl had her first cleft lip operation in February 2020 after she struggled to breast and bottle feed.
Earlier this year, the brave girl had her second operation.
Solani said the operation has helped her daughter.
“Lesedi has grown into a lovely, reserved and amazing little lady who is always ready to share a smile,” she said.
Ten-year-old André Daniels from Elsies River has Crouzon syndrome, also known as craniofacial dysostosis, in which the seam of the skull fuses abnormally, influencing the shape of the head and face.
In November, he received a fronto-orbital advancement operation and is progressing well after a successful operation.
His mother Catherine Daniels, said despite the tough journey, André has shown resilience.
“He struggled because he was made to feel different. Although he has been through so many challenges, he is a happy child.
“Thank you to Smile Foundation and the hospital staff for the life-changing experience that has impacted our lives forever.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity shown,” the mom said.