Surgery for Guatemalans with Cleft Lip and Palate

Dilan, born on February 7, 2025, is a bright-eyed baby from Aldea El Roblar and the first child of Ana, a homemaker, and Esdras, a construction assistant. They live with Ana’s family and were referred to our program by hospital staff — a testament to the strong relationships we have built with local health authorities.

Each month, Ana and Esdras receive infant formula and food staples, easing their financial burden and ensuring that Dilan has the nutrition he needs to grow strong. At his most recent checkup, he weighed 16 lbs and measured 64 cm (25.2 inches). His nutritional indicators are within the normal range, showing steady and healthy growth thanks to the program’s ongoing support.

During a recent evaluation, Dr. Lawrence Coleman (affectionately known as Dr. Buddy) confirmed that Dilan was ready for surgery. With great anticipation, he was scheduled for his first cleft lip procedure in early August with the Faces of Hope team.

When the medical team arrived in Guatemala, Dilan and his mother joined 71 other babies at the Sunday triage clinic for evaluations. On August 7, 2025, under the skilled hands of Dr. Rohit Khosla, Dilan underwent his cleft lip surgery. The outcome was extraordinary — his new smile brought relief and joy to his family and marked a significant milestone in his treatment journey.

Dilan will remain in our Cleft Infant Nutrition Program to continue preparing for his future surgeries, including cleft palate repair. When he reaches the age of ten, he will also be evaluated for microtia surgery with one of our partner surgical teams. His story reflects resilience, hope, and the lasting impact of donor support.