Where there are willing donors, generous givers, and skilful surgeons, there will always be hope for those who need their help the most. Smile Foundation is a non-profit committed to transforming the lives of children through excellent surgical and psychological means.
The foundation specialises in caring for children burdened by a range of facial abnormalities, particularly cleft lips and palates, and severe burns in hope to inspire confidence.
According to Moira Gerszt, the Strategic Relations Director for Smile Foundation – who has also held several other roles within the organisation during her 20-year tenure – the foundation works within 15 academic hospitals in South Africa, improving the lives of those who need them.
Smile Foundation exists because of the “huge financial burdens on the hospitals and surgeons to assist these children,” explains Gerszt. “Universitas Academic Hospital organises one full week of five days of surgeries, and we assist by paying for patient transportation, we support the doctors and the hospitals. Whatever the hospital may need, we have a donor.”
This time, the Airports Corporation of South Africa (ACSA) generously donated to enable 22 lives to be changed. One of the children being helped this year is Kananelo Mokoena, a young boy from Qwaqwa, who has been living with a severe burn for eight years.
His mother, Maletsatsi, explained that the burn occurred when he was two years old and living with his late grandmother. “My mother put a pan on the table, and went to get a dish for him to eat out of, he pulled on the tablecloth, the pan fell onto him, and the cooking oil burned him all over,” explained Maletsatsi. “He was burned inside his mouth and nose, his eyes and ears as well, it was bad.”
In 2022, Mokoena was referred to the Universitas Hospital and found out about Smile four weeks ago.
“I wish for him to be okay, because he is being teased at school. He struggles to speak,” his mother added. “It is a lot, and I am dealing with all of this alone, because my mother is no more. I just hope and pray that Smile Foundation can help him.”
Kananelo, alongside all the other children, will also receive physical therapy, psychological help, and even assistance from a dietitian.
“It includes any additional nurturing and support,” added Gerszt.
Gerszt hopes to grow awareness around Smile Foundation and hopes to encourage families to seek assistance and realise that there is help available to them.
Warren Hawkins
