One smile at a time
In as little as 45 minutes, one cleft lip operation can change a child’s life forever.
Earlier this week a team from Metamorpha Church under guidance of Pastor Ledge Saunders left to assist in Operation Smile in Nelspruit.
The team of volunteers supports this initiative by providing food and entertainment to the patients and the volunteers who work tirelessly to put smiles back on the faces of children born with a cleft lip or cleft palate.
A fundraising event held in conjunction with Metamorpha Church and Protea Hotels by Marriott Witbank on Friday, September 23 saw much needed funds generated towards this project.
Operation Smile International was founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee and headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) was officially registered as a section 21 (non-profit) company in
Pastor Ledge Saunders (Metamorpha Church) welcomes Itumeleng Ramano and Fidelie Nawej (programme coordinators Operation Smile South Africa) to the fundraising event on Friday, September 23.
March 2006 and has since then treated more than 4 000 children in this country alone.
Approximately one in every 1000 babies in Africa is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate.
Children with facial deformities who do not receive reconstructive surgery often have difficulty breathing, drinking, eating and speaking. As a result, many suffer from malnutrition, medical and psychological problems.
Many children with untreated cleft lips and cleft palates develop permanent and significant hearing loss.
A cleft lip or cleft palate operation follow up care costs approximately R5500. In as little as 45 minutes, one cleft lip operation can change a child’s life forever.
