Healing smiles, correcting palates

GEORGE NEWS - Altogether 21 children from the Eden District received reconstructive surgery at George Hospital this week, through a Mini Smile Week presented by the South African Smile Foundation.

Two doctors from Cape Town, Gertruida van Niekerk and Paul Skoll, as well as a full team from Cape Town, performed these specialised surgeries. The team included clinical psychologist Marga Roets and speech therapist Roslyn Lentin.

Most of these procedures were cleft lip and cleft palate repairs.

The foundation’s COO, Tshidi Chabane-Xaba, who was also in George, said the project is run at different tertiary hospitals. “We are changing lives one at a time. The surgeries bring hope to families and bring healing for children, not only physically, but also psychologically, through boosting their confidence.”

Chabane-Xaba said the Smile Week would not have been possible without generous donors, the George Hospital’s dedicated team, and the surgeons who give their time and expertise.

“Their commitment changes lives in ways that cannot be measured. The surgeons’ care, dedication and expertise are central to every child’s surgical journey. We are truly grateful to everyone.”

The surgery programme runs under the leadership of Prof Saleigh Adams.

Labib Sikder before his operation. Photo supplied

Labib and Melly Sikder after the surgery. Photo supplied

One of the children receiving surgery was the 20-month-old Labib Sikder, who has a cleft lip and palate. He was first assessed during the screening clinic at last year’s Smile Week, but was underweight and too small to be operated on at the time.

His first months after being born were very difficult for his mother, Melly, because of feeding challenges, but they received ongoing clinical support, and Labib gained enough strength for an operation.

However, the surgery scheduled for him at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town had to be postponed after he suffered accidental burns to his hands at home.

During an assessment for this Smile Week, it was confirmed that his burns have healed to such an extent that Labib was fit for surgery, to Melly and his family’s joy. He is an active, playful toddler and the family was very grateful for another opportunity for surgery.

Tamira Fiegeland (6) is a brave little girl, and not a stranger to the George Hospital. She had cleft palate surgery two years ago, and during this Smile Week, further lip revision was done. While waiting for her turn in the operating theatre, Tamira and her mum, Natasja, kept themselves busy with colouring in pictures.

A group of George South Primary School’s choir members came to the hospital on Tuesday to sing at the occasion of the introduction of Smile Week to the media, who also met some of the little patients.

The choir members delivered a short performance and listened eagerly to the Smile Foundation’s Western Cape regional co-ordinator, Wendy Canterbury, explain what a cleft palate is and how children are affected.

Anyone wanting to support the Smile Foundation’s efforts by making a donation or through collaboration may send an email to michelle@smilefoundationsa.org.

George Hospital CEO Tshepo Kau, Smile Foundation regional co-ordinator (Western Cape) Wendy Canterbury, George South Primary headmaster Sas du Plessis and the CEO of the foundation, Tshidi Chabane-Xaba.