Support Cleft Nutrition in Rural Guatemala

Scarlett was born in San Juan Chamelco, and from the moment she arrived, her family noticed she had a cleft lip.

Like many parents facing this diagnosis for the first time, they were filled with questions and uncertainty about how to care for her and what the future would hold. It was at their local health center where they first heard about the program.

A community connection led them to our promotor Mayra, who soon visited their home and began guiding them through the next steps. From that moment on, Scarlett’s family knew they were no longer alone.

One of the first challenges was feeding. Although Scarlett was able to breastfeed, it was not enough on its own. With the support of the program, her family received a special feeding bottle and formula, allowing them to combine both methods and ensure she was getting the nutrition she needed. The goal was clear: Scarlett needed to reach 12 pounds to be eligible for surgery.

With consistent support from the program and close guidance from the community promoter, Scarlett began to grow stronger. Step by step, she reached the required weight, marking an important milestone in her journey.

When the time finally came, Scarlett and her family traveled to receive care. It was their first time going through this experience, staying alongside other families who were walking a similar path. Despite the uncertainty, there was a sense of calm and quiet hope.

Her family speaks simply but powerfully about this moment they feel happy. Happy knowing that their daughter is in good hands, surrounded by doctors who have come from far away to help children like Scarlett.

Today, Scarlett’s journey continues. Her story is one of early support, community connection, and the strength of a family willing to do whatever it takes to give their child a better future.

Juan was born at home on December 25, 2024, in a rural community in Nebaj. His arrival, though joyful, came with an unexpected challenge he was born with a cleft lip and palate.

For his family, the first days were filled with uncertainty. Without prior knowledge of his condition, they sought help at their local health post, hoping to find guidance. Still, many questions remained unanswered, and the road ahead felt unclear.

It wasn’t through the health system, but through a neighbor who had faced a similar situation, that Jacinto’s family first learned about our  Cleft Infant Nutrition Program. This connection became a turning point. After reaching out and coordinating with the health promoter, Miguel, he began supporting them and showed them how to feed the baby using a special bottle, as breastfeeding was not possible. 

Before that, his family had been doing everything on their own purchasing formula and doing their best to care for him despite the challenges. Once enrolled, they began receiving regular visits, nutritional support, and the tools they needed to help Jacinto grow stronger.

Over time, Jacinto began to gain weight steadily. While the minimum requirement for surgery was 12 pounds, he reached 16 pounds by the time of his first procedure, showing strong nutritional progress.

In April, Jacinto traveled to Antigua Guatemala to attend a medical mission, where a team of doctors from Free To Smile provided surgical care to children with cleft conditions. This marked a significant milestone for his family after months of dedication, follow-up, and nutritional support.

Thanks to his progress, Jacinto arrived strong and ready for surgery. During the mission, he received his cleft lip repair, an important step forward in his journey. For his family, seeing the immediate change brought relief and renewed hope as they watched him begin to heal.

Jacinto continues to be part of the program, receiving ongoing support as he prepares for the next stage of his treatment. While his palate surgery is still pending, his progress so far reflects the impact of early intervention, consistent care, and family commitment.

Today, Jacinto is growing stronger each day. His story is still unfolding, but it already reflects resilience, determination, and the importance of access to timely care.