Sebastian’s Long Road to Happiness

As María waits with her 6-year-old son, Sebastian, who is about to receive his third surgery with Operation Smile Mexico, you would never know from both their happy, smiling faces the long the journey they have taken to get there.

Sebastian’s first visit to Operation Smile came when he was just 10 days old. His first surgeries came two years later, and he has received ongoing speech and oral care. His healthcare providers work closely with his mom to ensure the best outcome.

“It’s a long journey, but it’s not impossible,” María reflects. “It’s a team effort from both the experts and parents.”

Beginning the Journey

María discovered Operation Smile soon after Sebastian’s cleft condition was identified during a prenatal ultrasound. At just 10 days old, Sebastian attended a 2019 Operation Smile Mexico surgical program.

“I had some problems feeding him because I was never able to breastfeed him,” María said. “At first in the hospital, he was fed with a syringe, and thanks to Operation Smile Mexico, when I went to the [program], he was given a few special feeding bottles.”

As a newborn, Sebastian was too young to receive cleft surgery. But following that program, Sebastian continued to routinely attend dental treatments at the Operation Smile care center in Puebla and began receiving speech therapy. María even ensured that Sebastian continued to receive speech therapy via Zoom during the COVID pandemic.

María knew that she’d done everything she could to achieve what was best for Sebastian. Despite the challenges the pandemic posed on her family, María refused to let her determination falter.

Two Surgeries in One Year

As surgical programs resumed, María received the news she had been waiting for: Sebastian could receive cleft lip surgery.

“The most difficult part was when I handed Sebastian over to the surgeons. It was like saying, ‘I put almost everything I have in your hands,’” María said, recalling Sebastian’s first surgery in 2021. She grew to trust the Operation Smile Mexico volunteers completely, but as a mom, she still felt afraid in that moment.

“Seeing Sebastian after surgery in March [2021] was such happiness and a very radical change, because he was completely happy,” María said. “It was a new little face, a new smile.”

Later that year, a thriving Sebastian returned to the care of Operation Smile Mexico volunteers to receive surgery to treat his cleft palate.

“His smile changed mine because our life is completely different,” shared María. “I am not worried about ear, throat or nose infections. It has been a big change.” Her relief reflects a common concern among parents of children born with cleft conditions, who often face ongoing ear, nose and throat health challenges alongside the need for surgical care.

A Brighter Future

Today, Sebastian is like most first graders: He likes to play with cars, trains and building blocks. He is a little shy around new people, but he warms up and makes friends. And his mother has hopes for his future.

“I hope he is happy, [that] he is able to speak well and be a good person,” María says. “I hope his story is inspiration for others of what is possible.”

Operation Smile will continue to be there as Sebastian grows. This ongoing partnership is critical for not only Sebastian, but for the thousands of patients Operation Smile treats each year.

“Happiness” is the word that María would choose to describe Operation Smile, because, she said, “… truly, Operation Smile changes your life.”