For many children in this world, being born with a cleft lip and palate means a life in isolation, often associated with severe health impairments. Without treatment, cleft children face grim prospects. They live with their families on the fringes of society, have to endure ridicule and exclusion, and only very few attend school.
The central measure to change the life of a cleft child for the better is the operation to close their cleft lip or palate. It is the first big step towards a “normal” life for the child. The average cost of an operation in our project countries in Asia, Latin America and East Africa is 300 euros. As a surgery sponsor, you fund the life-changing operation for a child. A comparatively small amount with which you can make a big difference: paving the way for a child to a new, better life.
The smile of each of these children is wonderful evidence of Oscar Wilde’s observation. Every child has their own story – a fate that we can turn for the better. For us, each of these stories is a small success and a great motivation to continue our mission. Because every child has the right to a carefree, healthy life!
Thank you for supporting us!
As a surgery sponsor, you finance one – or more, if you choose – operations for a cleft child. These surgical procedures change the child’s life. This is a one-time donation, you do not make any ongoing commitment.
In most children, both the lip and the palate are affected. In these cases at least two operations are required. If the child whose first operation you made possible with your donation has a second operation we will let you know. If you choose, you can then fund this second procedure for your protégé as well.
The attending doctor documents every procedure in our patient database with before and after pictures and information about the child and their family. After the operation you’ve made possible has taken place – approximately four to eight weeks after receipt of the donation – you will receive an email from us with the link to “your” child’s patient record and further information about the treating doctor and the project country.
“Thank you so much for this wonderful message just before Christmas. I am very touched by the opportunity that you and your organization open up for the affected children and their parents. I hope that the little girl who was able to receive her surgery through my donation will continue to do well and have a wonderful childhood and a good life.” Belinda Röser, Sersheim
“This was the most gratifying news I received by mail this year. I am now a proud surgery sponsor, but more important is that the little boy got help.” Galin Manolov, Munich
“Thank you very much for the direct information, which shows it’s worth it and really important to help the little people. And it is touching. We will continue and come back to you. We will also encourage friends and relatives to support this cause.” Heike and Axel Graebe, Berlin
“Hello dear tireless team of helpers!!! Thank you very much for the good news about the use of our donation. My husband and I are very, very happy to have given an entire family in this world a basis for hope for the future with this surgery. Please do not give up. This Christmas, we will sponsor again, from the bottom of our hearts. PS: With your commitment we embrace the whole world!!!” Samuel family, Neubrandenburg
“Thank you very much for your email. I was very happy about the good news from Vietnam. I am especially happy for little Binh and his parents. I would like to thank you very much for the detailed information, many thanks also to Dr. Pham Van Ai and his team.” Hilmar Claus, Castrop-Rauxel
“Thank you very much for your letter with the information about the surgery of “our” child. It is quite rare that a donation gets a “face” attached to it, pun intended. How well we can empathize with the parents’ feelings before and after the surgery and how happy it makes us to know that the little girl can grow up with a good perspective. “Aiding smile operation” is a great expression for the work of the surgeons in Vietnam.” Stegmaier family, Aalen
“We looked at the pictures very intensively and recognized in the mother’s eyes the ongoing tension and ultimately the misery of her own situation and certainly of her entire family. Even though our own world must be experiencing a great threat right now, when looking at the pictures you also have to realize on what a high level we are presenting our worries, worries that people in the poorest countries can only find ridiculous.” Carola & Bernd Rückheim, Berlin
“Your message is an uplifting joy just before the start of the weekend. The cute little guy will have it much easier from now on. I continue to keep my fingers crossed for him and feel very connected to the surgical team and you for the great work.” Almuth Arendt-Boeller, Berlin
“Thank you very much for your mail. It is the first time I have received such detailed feedback about my donation from an organization I donated to.” I.B., Munich
“Many, many dear thanks for the link! Little Rafa looked incredibly cute even before the surgery, now after the surgery he is a delight. But it’s not only about the aesthetic result: He can certainly eat better now, etc…. I am very happy for him and his parents. Thank you that there are people like you who are so committed.” Sabine Ozwirk, Salzgitter
