By Ashley Pugh | Program Officer
Dear HOPE Supporter,
Due to our fantastic partnership with Smile Train, HOPE Hospital is conducting an increased amount of cleft lip/palate surgeries for children who's lives are about to change. When these patients arrive to our hospital, their families cannot afford food. Cleft Lip/Palate is a consequence of poverty, one that occurs in families who received little to no education and cannot afford proper antenatal care services while the mother is pregnant to prevent such a disability in her child. These families travel long distances to have their children receive the life-changing surgery they deserve and are spend all they have on transportation. Please help us feed patients like Tareque and enjoy his incredible story.
Tareque, a 3-year old boy from Chakaria was born with cleft lip and palate. His parents were unaware of the importance of folic acid for the mothers during pregnancy. Tareque was kept hidden away from other children and his relatives due to the terrible stigmatization and embarrassment his parents felt. His father believed the deformity arose from the lunar eclipse. Tareque’s parents knew his deformity could be repaired and attempted to take him for surgery at Chittagong Lion Hospital but due to transportation-related issues, Tareque missed his surgery. His parents had heard about HOPE Hospital and their specialization in repairing cleft lip and palates and immediately registered him for surgery.
Tareque’s surgery was a success, and his parents bring him to social functions with no hesitation! They are so delighted about the results from the surgery and say they cannot wait to see him grow up with a beautiful smile. Tareque’s Father believes that if they hadn’t taken Tareque to HOPE Hospital for surgery, their son would have grown up resenting his parents for lack of action. Now the family is happy and looking very much towards the future.
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