Latest news with #SmileFoundation
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Smile Foundation give little Caroline a reason to smile
Caroline underwent a 14-hour life-changing surgery to help her smile at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital during Smile Week. Children enjoy a special puppet performance during Smile Week at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Joburg yesterday. Picture: Supplied Born with Moebius syndrome – a rare condition affecting facial nerves – which made her unable to express emotion – little Caroline, is looking forward to smiling. She was among 23 children who underwent life-changing surgery yesterday, thanks to the Smile Foundation. In marking Smile Week, the foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital and several sponsors, forged a partnership geared at making life better for kids who had been unable to share a smile. Complex 14-hour surgery Complex facial reanimation surgery on Caroline was performed by top reconstructive surgeons Dr Dimitri Liakos and Prof Tim Christofides. The long procedure, which took up to 14 hours, was not only life-changing for Caroline, but also 'a key skills-sharing moment for young doctors observing the operation'. 'Smile Week is about more than just surgery, it's about restoring hope, dignity and opportunity for these children; and their families,' said Smile Foundation CEO Tarri Parfitt. ALSO READ: Born with a cleft palate: A guide to recovery from psychosomatic scars 'Deeply grateful' 'We are deeply grateful to Dr Julian Collis for the extraordinary legacy of care he built throughout his career and to the incredible medical teams who are giving so generously of their time and skill to make these miracles possible.' Parfitt said the Smile Foundation extended 'heartfelt thanks to the surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, hospital staff, donors and supporters whose collaboration makes Smile Week a beacon of hope for South African children'. According to global statistics, children are born every three minutes with a cleft lip or palate and face life-threatening health problems, bullying and isolation. Their difficulties include: Being unable to feed properly, leading to malnutrition and risk of death nine times higher; Speech difficulties; Struggling to be understood; Teeth growing at an angle – making chewing difficult; and Being shunned, mocked and teased. The Smile Foundation project, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in Parktown, ends today. NOW READ: Mzansi meets Hollywood: Kris Jenner and Khanyi Mbau facelift secrets revealed
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Life-Changing surgeries: the stories behind Smile Week at Tygerberg Hospital
Malachi Bell Image: Supplied The Smile Foundation has once again brought hope, healing, and happiness to young patients during another successful Smile Week, which ran from 26 to 30 May at Tygerberg Hospital. Thanks to the ongoing partnership with the Vodacom Foundation, and dedication of the Tygerberg surgical team, 13 children from underserved communities received life-changing reconstructive surgery—restoring not just appearances, but confidence and futures. Among the inspirational stories this week is five-year-old Malachi Bell, a courageous little boy born with scaphocephaly, a rare condition where the skull fuses prematurely, resulting in a long and narrow head shape. Beyond the visible differences, the condition can cause increased brain pressure and developmental complications. Sihaam Ahmed, 2, from Bellville is a beneficiary of the Smile Week and had a cleft lip repair on Monday. Image: Supplied Despite the stares and unkind words from others, Malachi—who is also a twin—has shown extraordinary strength, thriving both academically and emotionally. During Smile Week, he underwent cranial vault remodelling, a complex surgery that reshapes the skull, relieves pressure, and gives him the opportunity to face the world with renewed confidence. Malachi's mom Hildegard Bell said her heart is full. 'We feel relieved, happy and so grateful. We could see the difference immediately. Even with all the emotions we had before the operation we were reassured by everyone in the hospital that he was in good hands. 'We can truly say that our child was in good hands, the best in fact.' Yamihle Tom Image: Supplied Bell thanked everyone involved in making a big change in her boy's life and putting a smile on his face. 'Thank you to the medical team, the behind the scenes workers and the Smile foundation and Vodacom for making him smile throughout his experience before the operation.I can't stop crying tears of joy, I am really thankful.' Another remarkable patient is a 15-year-old Yamihle Tom born with microtia, a condition where the ear is underdeveloped or missing. Yamihle received reconstructive ear surgery using rib cartilage— a highly specialised procedure that not only restores physical appearance but also improves emotional well-being, particularly important during the formative teenage years. Adding to this year's successes, Tygerberg's medical team has embraced a new cleft lip repair technique pioneered by Dr Robert Mann from Michigan, a world-renowned craniofacial surgeon. This innovative approach not only improves the aesthetic results but significantly reduces recovery time, enabling children to smile, speak, and engage with the world sooner and with greater ease. Smile Foundation has credited the continued backing of the Vodacom Foundation as essential to the impact of this work. 'Our mission is to bring smiles, restore dignity, and change lives,' said Tarri Parfitt, CEO of Smile Foundation. 'Malachi's story, and those of many others this week, remind us of the real impact that partnerships and purpose can have.' The organisation also expressed heartfelt thanks to the surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, and hospital staff at Tygerberg Hospital for their exceptional dedication and compassion. [email protected] Weekend Argus
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
On International Day of Families, discover four organisations driving change
Families are a core part of our evolving world. Supporting them through family-friendly policies is crucial to building stable and inclusive societies, according to the UN Women report 'Families in a Changing World.' Each year on May 15, we observe the International Day of Families to recognise the role families play in society and the challenges they face. In India, the concept of family continues to shape community life, offering support systems, emotional stability, and a foundation for cultural and ethical values. This framework has also enabled various non-profit organisations, local self-governments, and policymakers to implement effective grassroots initiatives. On this International Day of Families, explore four development organisations transforming rural India through their most effective family-centred approaches. An Overview: Transform Rural India (Neighbourhoods of Care) True to its motto, 'Grounded Solutions, Scalable Change,' Transform Rural India (TRI), envisions a rural India where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. Among the development designer's most impactful initiatives is Neighbourhoods of Care (NoC), a community-driven model that places people at the centre of healthcare governance. At the core of NoC is the idea of shared responsibility, especially through the active involvement of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Panchayati Raj Institutions and frontline health workers. By anchoring healthcare governance within local bodies like Jan Arogya Samitis, NoC strengthens community oversight and ensures that health services respond to local needs and everyday challenges. The model recognises that health outcomes are influenced not only by medical interventions but also by social, ecological, behavioural, and gender-related factors. It enables families to quietly shape these aspects through everyday attitudes, habits and support systems. NoC is built on the core idea of developing a strong support network that brings together community institutions and governance platforms to strengthen collective responsibility for health. This involves regular community dialogues, participatory health planning, and the active involvement of local leaders in monitoring services and addressing concerns. Smile Foundation (The Life-Cycle Approach) Founded in 2002 by Santanu Mishra and a group of like-minded professionals, Smile Foundation is an Indian development NGO that follows a holistic Life-Cycle Approach. Its programmes focus on family health, livelihoods, and women's empowerment, addressing the needs of children, their families, and the broader community. At its core is a family-centric model based on the understanding that individuals cannot thrive in isolation. By addressing the interconnected needs of all family members, the NGO works to build a support system where the family becomes a platform for lasting change. Its 'Health Cannot Wait' initiative delivers essential healthcare services to the doorstep of vulnerable communities, with special attention to women and children. Complementing this are awareness activities like school health camps and street plays, encouraging families and children to adopt preventive and health-seeking behaviours. Navjyoti India Foundation (Community Development) Navjyoti India Foundation, established in 1988, is a nonprofit organisation working in urban slums and rural areas across North India. Its mission is to prevent crime by addressing the underlying social issues of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and gender inequality. The foundation operates on the belief that lasting community change begins with empowered families. Its integrated model for community development is centred around the 6S framework: Sakshar, Saksham, Sashakt, Swachh, Swasth and Swavlambi. Through this framework, the foundation works to resolve long-standing social issues such as domestic violence, child marriage, family breakdown, and weakened community bonds. These challenges have shaped its approach to crime prevention, focusing on addressing root causes rather than symptoms. Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India) Since 2004, Bal Raksha Bharat has been working across 16 states in India to ensure that children grow up in safe, nurturing environments. The NGO collaborates closely with government bodies at the national, state, and district levels to implement child welfare programmes. Its family-focused approach to disaster response and child protection emphasises preparedness, risk reduction, and long-term recovery. The organisation recognises that children are often the most vulnerable during humanitarian crises, facing risks such as family separation and various forms of abuse. Bal Raksha Bharat goes beyond immediate relief by maintaining ongoing support systems for affected children, ensuring continuity in care and protection throughout the recovery process.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Triplet siblings of murdered Idaho student graduate without him
MOSCOW, Idaho - It's been more than two years since four University of Idaho students were murdered in an off-campus house in November of 2022. On Saturday, one of those students, Ethan Chapin, would have been graduating. As a triplet, his siblings walked across the stage without him. "They have just persevered, it's amazing, their strength and their ability to move forward," Stacy Chapin, Ethan's mom said. She prepared for this day to be emotional when FOX 13 first talked with her a few months ago. She said, she is just amazed with how his siblings have been able to move forward despite Ethan not being here for this monumental day. Still, she says they are blessed to have had 20 years with him. What they're saying "We have this motto 'live life like Ethan,'" Chapin shared. "It's a day that honestly, that Jim and I just have to be parents that day. We just have to be parents to Maizie and Hunter and the obvious is, obviously Ethan isn't graduating that day and that's going to be tough, but it's a day we will just simply celebrate Maizie and Hunter," Chapin said. She added the whole world should be proud of them after they persevered following this tragedy that their family faced. To honor Ethan and keep his spirit alive, his family started Ethan Chapin's Smile Foundation. Local perspective Earlier this month, the foundation awarded another $50,000 in scholarships to help others follow their dreams. They called this round of awards bittersweet, as Ethan should have been graduating this month. Instead, they said, they're honoring his smile, his kindness and his passion for life by providing scholarships. "He was a magnanimous personality and Jim and I are proud of that," Chapin said. The trial for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing Ethan, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves, is scheduled to start on August 11. The Source Information in this story came from original FOX 13 Seattle interviews. New area code coming to Seattle area in June. What to know WA's first In-N-Out gets closer to opening date VIDEO: Dramatic arrest of WA mother carrying toddler, stolen gun Pro-Palestinian protesters cause $1M in damage at UW, 34 arrested Health experts say 'harmless' symptoms could be signs of blood disease 2 WA brothers arrested after high-speed pursuit on I-90 Video shows shackled inmate escape custody at Sea-Tac, board light rail To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
BBC News
20-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Hull food website aims to help young people in city eat healthier
Young people in Hull have created a website to help their peers access information about nutrition and improve their Young Mayor and Youth Representatives is a group of volunteers, aged between 11 and 17 years old, who meet weekly to discuss policies and services that are important to them. They devised the Food & Solutions website after they carried out research, which found "young people in Hull face many barriers when it comes to accessing quality food and finding community support", Hull City Council Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "The new resource they have created... will provide valuable information to young people and their families that might need food support." The website includes facts and tips about nutrition, affordable recipes "tried and tested" by the youngsters, along with details of local organisations that people can approach for help and Emily and Isabel said they hoped the initiative would have "a positive impact on many people" and help to support young people's health and website was funded with a grant from the Smile Foundation, which was matched by the authority's Leader's to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
