Latest news with #SmileWeek
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
