Our promise of improving health and dignity during the COVID-19 pandemic endures. Once again, we’re providing surgery and in-person care while taking stringent measures to keep families safe. Hope is on the horizon. And we remain focused on what cleft care makes possible for children, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak and live with confidence. If you can, when you can, help us keep our promise to care for children and create hope for tomorrow.

While routine in much of the world, surgery for many people living in low-income countries has misconceptions surrounding it, which can cause some to be fearful when it comes to receiving treatment.

That's why when Virginie saw her husband, Zafilahy, for the first time after he returned home from his cleft lip operation, she had to be reassured that the doctors hadn’t stolen a part of his body during the procedure. 

Instead, what the Operation Smile Madagascar volunteers had given him was a new smile.

Before his surgery, Zafilahy believed that he and the two other people from his community born with cleft conditions would be forced to live with an unrepaired cleft lip for the rest of their lives. None of them learned that a solution existed. 

Throughout his life, Zafilahy was often called “Telo Moloha,” which translates to “three lips.” 

But he never let the harassment prevent him from living a life of happiness.

During the 32 years he lived with an unrepaired cleft lip, he became a farmer, married the love of his life and had six children. But amid his joy, Zafilahy felt as though something was holding him back. 

That was until Fidelis, a patient advocate with Operation Smile Madagascar, arrived in Zafilahy’s village spreading awareness about the nonprofit’s work throughout the country. 

Fidelis explained that all expenses from the surgery to repair Zafilahy’s cleft lip would be covered by Operation Smile. He felt immense relief because he knew it was a cost he wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. 

Alongside his brother and a large group of families, Zafilahy made the 13-hour bus trip to Antsirabe for the upcoming surgical program. 

It was the first time in 32 years that he’d left the comfort and familiarity of his village.

But Zafilahy wasn’t fearful of the long journey ahead. Instead, he felt eager because he knew something special awaited him at the destination.

Once they arrived, medical volunteers performed a comprehensive health care assessment to confirm Zafilahy was healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. 

For Operation Smile, patient safety is the greatest priority. To ensure that they receive the highest quality of medical care, each patient is screened for potential health issues that could impact their procedure or put them at risk.

When he was finally scheduled for surgery, Zafilahy was ecstatic. 

A surgery that often lasts as little as 45 minutes changed Zafilahy’s life forever.

Today with his new smile, Zafilahy is very happy and feels as though a weight has been lifted. He couldn’t wait to return home to his family and live a life free from the stigma of a cleft condition.

“Thank you, Operation Smile,” he stated. “Now, I do not worry about my health. I will be a happy man with no more worries.”

Help us to continue keeping our promise amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Your support today means we can help patients like Zafilahy through these uncertain times and provide them with the care and surgery they deserve.