Healthy lives for children with cleft in Ecuador
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| Organization | Global Smile Foundation |
|---|---|
| Region | Lebanon |
| Website | Website |
| ProjectLeader | Lisa Crist |
| Linked Problems & Solutions
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Our volunteer team will be in Ecuador in March 2023 to provide free care for patients living with the tremendous burden of untreated cleft including social stigma, poor health, malnutrition, & poverty. Cleft surgery is the first step for our patients to have healthy lives & access education, employment, & financial stability. Funds will help provide medicines, surgical care, & COVID-19 testing for 5 of the 50 patients scheduled for the trip. Every dollar donated will make a difference!
Challenge
Cleft is one of the most common birth defects in the world, but in resource-limited areas of Ecuador children born with cleft have no way of getting the care they urgently need. Living with a physical disability like untreated cleft lip/palate can be devastating: infants have higher mortality rates, children are hidden at home due to bullying, & families struggle financially. Because of the pandemic, there is a long backlog of patients who need care in addition to new babies born with cleft.
Long-Term Impact
Comprehensive cleft care transforms the lives children born with cleft and gives them a new chance at full, productive lives. Our patients have better health, can attend school, and integrate into their communities. Without the burden of caring for a child isolated at home, their families are better able to gain financial stability & find social support. GSF will share patient stories & photos via GlobalGiving about the life-changing care that your generosity makes possible through this project.
References
- http://www.gsmile.org
- http://www.globalsmile.org
- https://www.instagram.com/globalsmile_org/
- https://www.facebook.com/globalsmilefoundation/
Additional Documentation
https://www.globalgiving.org//pfil/52783/projdoc.pdf
Project Gallery
Look how Liam has grown up!
We met so many new patients like Angel!
