Surgery for Guatemalans with Cleft Lip and Palate

Partner for Surgery's Infant Nutrition Program for infants born with a cleft lip and palate has been in place for just over five years. Because our program locates infants at birth or very soon thereafter, mothers receive lactation coaching, breast pumps and nutritional guidance while they can still produce milk. For mothers unable to nurse, commercial formula is provided. The story below of Leonel is a wonderful example of a life that was saved in the early days of the program, and an example of how this child can now be of help to the family and live a normal life.

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Leonel was born in 2009 with cleft lip and palate to Roselia and Baten, both first time parents at age 17. They were confused and scared and did not know what to do about their son’s condition. All they knew was that they had no money to pay for treatment. Fortunately, the midwife who attended Leonel’s birth knew about Partner for Surgery through the local Health Center. A health promoter was assigned to Leonel and his family to support their journey, beginning with enrollment in the nutrition program.

Leonel did so well in the nutrition program that he was healthy enough to undergo surgery to repair his cleft lip at 5 months. At 18 months, he was ready for cleft palate surgery.

And look at him today at age 5! Thanks to early intervention by Partner for Surgery, he is healthy, strong and quite handsome! He takes great pride in working with his grandfather in the fields, so he can help feed the family. 

Leonel’s mother Roselia is very grateful to Partner for Surgery for saving her son’s life and helping her when she so desperately needed it. “Thank you for your help!”