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KENYA – The very first time a mother holds her baby, she experiences a special kind of joy. When Daphne cradled her newborn son, she felt that joy—but it was mixed with fear. For many families in this region, overcoming cleft lip begins with a single moment of courage and a path toward specialized medical care. “When Dinan was born, I didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I had never seen a child with a cleft lip before. I was confused … even scared.”
“When Dinan was born, I didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I had never seen a child with a cleft lip before. I was confused … even scared.”
-Daphne
The Emotional Toll of Isolation
What should have been a season of celebration became shrouded in darkness. Each day seemed to bring new struggles, and feeding was a constant battle. Dinan choked, struggled to breathe, and was constantly sick. “Most nights we didn’t sleep,” Daphne said. At a time when a new mother needs support, Dinan’s condition drew stares and painful questions that left Daphne feeling isolated and ashamed. “Everywhere I went, people looked at my baby like something was wrong with him,” she said. “It hurt me so much.”
Without community support, overcoming cleft lip can feel like an impossible mountain to climb for a parent alone. Overwhelmed, Daphne was unable to work. She had to rely on borrowed food and the kindness of friends just to survive. Her deepest prayer was a simple one. If only one day, Dinan could live a typical life.
The Path to Overcoming Cleft Lip
Through our life-changing surgeries program, Dinan received cleft lip surgery, and the improvement was immediate. He could finally eat and sleep normally. overcoming cleft lip allowed Dinan to reach milestones his mother once feared were out of reach. “When I look at Dinan now, I see a healthy, happy child,” Daphne said.
Today, Daphne is able to work again while Dinan attends day care. A life that began with fear has turned toward joy. Their future feels bright, and that’s thanks to the support of friends like you. “It’s like a burden was lifted,” Daphne said. “May God bless you for giving my son a new life. … My heart is at peace.”
“May God bless you for giving my son a new life. … My heart is at peace.”
-Daphne