Patients
Leana’s Long Wait is Over
After years of waiting, five surgical programs and countless obstacles, Leana’s journey to a new smile is over.

A Journey of Resilience
Under the scorching sun of Toamasina in Madagascar, a little girl named Leana chases bubbles, her laughter ringing through the air. She is bright-eyed and full of joy, yet her journey has been anything but easy. Born with a cleft lip, Leana has faced health problems, social isolation and four failed attempts at surgery. But today, after years of waiting, Leana’s new smile is finally within reach.
For her mother, Angeline, the shame and isolation of her daughter’s cleft has been unbearable. “The gossip was the worst,” she recalls. “I didn’t hear what they said, but I knew people talked behind my back. I was too ashamed to take her to church — until a woman told me she was a gift from God.”
Leana’s family learned about Operation Smile when she was just 6 months old and immediately sought help. But their journey would be filled with heartbreak and obstacles.

Determined that Leana would receive cleft surgery, her parents brought Leana to four Operation Smile surgical programs, only to go home without surgery each time because of infections or malnourishment. Leana was enrolled in our nutrition program, to ensure she was a healthy weight to receive safe surgery.
At her fifth surgical program, Leana sits quietly in her mother’s lap as Swedish volunteer pediatrician Christian Gadsbøll listens to her lungs. International volunteers like Christian play a crucial role in supporting local health care professionals, strengthening health care systems through mutual learning, training and mentorship opportunities. Their partnership and expertise, combined with the knowledge, dedication and leadership of our local volunteers, ensure that every child, like Leana, has the best chance for a healthier future.
Suddenly, concern flickers across Christian’s face. He consults his colleague Christian Kampik, an anesthesiologist. Time seems to freeze. Surely, they won’t have to turn Leana away again?
After what feels like an eternity, the team of medical volunteers smiles. Leana is finally healthy enough for surgery. “I almost had a heart attack,” Christian says. “Last time, we had to stop before we could even start. I’m so, so happy that Leana is finally having her surgery today.”
Hours later, in the recovery room, Angeline strokes her daughter’s cheek gently. Tears of relief glisten in her eyes. The long wait is over.

A Bright Future
A year has passed since Leana’s surgery. Now back in her village, she beams with confidence, surrounded by children who had previously shunned her.
“Leana’s life has completely changed,” says Angeline. “The children who once avoided her now come to play with her. Her surgery has brought us joy and happiness.”
For the first time, Leana’s future looks bright. Soon she will start school, and her parents dream of an education that will open doors and lead to the bright future every child deserves.
