Kaylee, Free to Play and Sing

“We're very lucky to have her as our child. She brings so much happiness into our lives.”

Kaylee smiling and hugging her parents Ken and Selma after cleft surgery

When she saw her sister-in-law crying, Selma began to worry.

They were in the delivery room. Selma had just given birth to a baby girl. During her pregnancy, she had taken perfect care of herself, making sure to eat well, get plenty of rest, and go for ultrasounds and checkups.

But there on the operating table, with her view of newly born Kaylee obstructed, Selma felt panic creep in. Why were there tears in her sister-in-law’s eyes?

“She then told me that my baby had a cleft,” Selma recalled. “All I could think was, why?”

It had gone undetected. The ultrasounds had missed it.

Immediately, Selma and her husband, Ken, began searching for treatment options. They scoured the internet for information. They asked everyone they knew for a lead.

Thankfully, Ken’s cousin, an army nurse, directed them to Bicol Medical Center, their local Smile Train partner. Ken quickly submitted all the necessary documents so they could schedule Kaylee’s first surgery as soon as possible.

But then the pandemic hit. All surgeries were paused indefinitely, and the entire family waited as weeks, then months, ticked by.

In the meantime, they did everything they could. Selma went through the trial-and-error process of finding the best feeding method for Kaylee. She was pleased to see her little girl had a healthy appetite.

Finally, cleft surgeries resumed at Bicol, and Kaylee was scheduled for her first procedure, on her lip. In advance, Selma decided to quit her secretary job so she could care for Kaylee full-time. It was a calculated risk: Ken would become the only support for the family. Money would be tight.

Fortunately, Smile Train was there to help. Not only was Kaylee’s initial surgery a complete success, it was 100% free, all part of Smile Train’s commitment to making cleft care accessible for every family who needs it.

Kaylee smiling and holding a photo of herself before cleft surgery
Kaylee holds up her photo from before cleft care

After Kaylee’s first cleft surgery, Selma and Ken began to let her play outside with other children, no longer apprehensive that people might make comments about her lip. Kaylee loved having playmates, and neighbors marveled at the results of her procedure.

Just over six months later, Kaylee returned to Bicol for cleft palate surgery. It happened to be scheduled on Selma’s birthday — “it was like a gift,” she said. Once again, Kaylee’s procedure was a complete success!

“She didn’t even cry,” added Selma. “Her fighting spirit is really amazing.”

Ken holds up a smiling Kaylee, who stretches her arms like she’s about to fly. Selma stands beside them, grinning at Kaylee
After cleft surgery, Kaylee is ready to spread her wings

Today, Kaylee is a talkative three-year-old who loves to sing. “We're very lucky to have her as our child,” Ken shared. “She brings so much happiness into our lives.”

Kaylee squeals with delight as Selma tickles her
“She’s a blessing to us,” Selma said of Kaylee

His message to other parents? “Don’t lose hope. Be persistent. There are always answers to your questions.”

Selma agrees: “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Ken, Kaylee, and Selma smile while holding up a Smile Train banner
Three cheers for Ken, Kaylee, and Selma!

Feeling inspired by Kaylee’s story? Sponsor cleft care for a child today.