Destiny’s Smile
Even knowing help is available isn’t always enough to remove the stigma of having a cleft.
Determined Damaris
Even when the whole world seemed against her, Damaris persisted. And won.
A Mother Learns to Trust
A Daughter's Cleft; a Mother's Journey
A mother’s account of her child’s journey to cleft care in her own words.
A Walk to Freedom
Nkunda had to hide in the bushes on his journey to school every day. Something needed to be done.
Sel’s Family Refused To Leave Him Behind
Soan worried her son would be discriminated against his entire life.
It’s Never Too Late to Dream
Maria has been waiting for cleft surgery since 1953. When the opportunity came, her son wanted her to pass.
A Smile That Brightens And Enlightens
Ayubu's classmates harassed him relentlessly for years because of a local myth about clefts. When he was 10 years old, his mother heard there was hope at a hospital less than an hour away.
A Lucky Girl
When Samnang was born with a cleft, her parents felt overwhelmed. But a midwife reassured them that, thanks to Smile Train, they had nothing to fear.
A Smile Educates
Everyone told Gyana to abandon her daughter when she was born with a cleft; her husband threatened to kill himself if she didn't. Afraid for both their lives, she took the child and fled.
A Student Of Resiliency
Kamse was excited for his first day of school, but, when the day finally came, he was taunted all day long. Kamse ran home and begged his grandfather never to make him go back.