For more than 25 years, the Smile Foundation has partnered with academic hospitals across South Africa to reduce surgery backlogs for children with cleft lips and palates, Moebius syndrome, burns, and other facial conditions.
This year, the foundation partnered with Easigas to host a life-changing week at Universitas Academic Hospital, where essential reconstructive surgeries are planned on 20 children.
“We know this is huge for the children, because it is a confidence booster for them,” said Universitas Academic Hospital nursing manager Jack Radebe.
Smile Foundation COO Tshidi Chabane-Xaba added that the foundation is grateful for the support of the hospital as well as sponsors. “These are life-changing surgeries for these children, because they restore the dignity of each child, and restore confidence for a lifetime,” she said.
Dylan Nixon, father of six-year-old Kaia, said his daughter was born with a cleft lip and palate. “Her lip was done very early on, but we struggled to have her palate operated on, until we heard from Letitia (Jordaan, Smile Foundation regional coordinator in the Free State), and she was an angel that helped with everything.” He hopes Kaia can have a normal life after her surgery.
Roeline van Wyk, mother of one-year-old Bothlokwa, hopes her son’s second operation will go as well as his first. “I hope that everything will be fine, and I want him to learn to speak well.”
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Nikita Blake said it is a privilege to help children year after year.
Warren Hawkins
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