Little Olivia is beaming after her first successful reconstructive surgery by the Smile Foundation; now, she is preparing for her final surgery.
Johannesburg, South Africa (10 December 2021) – In October 2020, a little bundle of joy named Olivia came into the world encumbered with more than anyone could ever have anticipated – a cleft lip and palate.
Seven months later, Olivia’s much-needed surgery to repair her cleft lip was compromised due to a fire at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), where she was due to be operated on.
The anxious family’s woes were further compounded by the backlog of elective surgeries brought about by the pandemic, as well as the cost of protecting Olivia’s dignity and delivering a smile.
Then serendipity reigned. Soon after receiving the upsetting news, Olivia’s distraught mother, Franche, noticed a gentleman wearing a Smile Foundation mask. As good fortune would have it, his wife happened to be Smile Foundation’s GM Kim Robertson Smith, the organisation responsible for delivering more than 3800 successful surgeries since its inception 21 years ago.
Franche and Kim united, and with Smile Foundation’s support and fundraising driven by Crema Nail & Beauty Lounge, Olivia had her first successful bilateral surgery.
She underwent bilateral surgery to repair her cleft lip. She now is due for a second surgery to repair her palate. This bright little girl has not skipped a beat, and while her smile may be a little different, she never stops beaming! Just take a look at her post-surgery smile below.
If you would like to support Olivia, you can help fund her surgeries by donating directly to the Smile Foundation in her name here. If you would like more information, you can reach out to the foundation here.
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