Kaqui Finds Love and Happiness After 19 Years

Out of seven siblings, Kaqui was the only one with a cleft.

It made him a target for bullying, both at home and everywhere else. His brothers would not associate with him in public. He loved to learn new things, but endured constant harassment and name-calling at school.

His father was the one bright spot in his life, the only person who loved him unconditionally for who he was.

"He was my pillar of strength," Kaqui recalls. "He constantly reassured me that I was just as worthy of affection and kindness as anyone else."

Then, tragically, he passed away.

“The devastation of losing my father was indescribable. It felt as though life had cruelly robbed me of my only source of confidence, my unwavering supporter who believed in me when no one else did. His passing left a profound void in my life, stripping away the one person who saw me as truly worthy.”

Without anyone to support him, Kaqui dropped out of school and sought work wherever he could find it, ultimately taking small jobs in the local market.

He loved the market’s bustle, and he loved its anonymity even more — in a sea of people, every drop is invisible.

But he couldn’t help but be noticed by his colleagues, and when Kaqui was 19, one of them told him about a local hospital where he could receive cleft surgery 100% free.

“I never knew my cleft could be treated until then,” he says.

Kaqui wasted no time. He visited the hospital, made an appointment, and never looked back.

Kaqui is now 24. After cleft surgery, he was able to find a better job, one where he finally receives the respect he deserves.

“People no longer shy away from me. I've almost forgotten what it was like to have a cleft."

And he no longer shies away from others. He now has a girlfriend, and they are very happily in love.

"I'm planning to marry her,” he confides.

“I never could have imagined this. For 19 years, I felt stigmatized, even by my own siblings and relatives. I thank everyone who took the time to transform my life, free of charge. May God bless the doctors who treated me."