The Gift of a Smile project
This is not only the largest project created by T.E.S.S. Unlimited but it is also the first!
In Guatemala there are no real statistics but we do know that Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates are an extremely common birth defect. A Cleft Lip or Palate is a deformity in which there is an opening in the lip and/or palate (roof of the mouth) that is caused by incomplete development during early fetal formation. The main reasons seem to be lack of nutrition, environmental issues, incest, or addiction (sadly concrete reasons for this birth defect are unknown). Once a baby is born with a Cleft Lip or Palate their life is extremely difficult. The baby is extremely prone to illness because their respiratory system is exposed. Feeding is the most difficult problem for babies afflicted with a Cleft Lip/Palate. It is extremely challenging for babies to eat because with the palate often times the milk gets into the nasal passage and exits through the nose instead of being digested. Feeding for a child with only a Cleft Lip is not as difficult as the Palate but there are still some challenges. Often times we see babies with a cleft who are extremely mal nourished because it is so difficult for the child to eat and for the mother to feed. Ear infections, fluid buildup and hearing loss are also other effects of a cleft. In addition major dental problems are very common. Another difficult challenge for a child who previously had a cleft is the ability of speech. Often times speech impediments are common and are also difficult and costly to correct.
Well now you know all about what a cleft is what it affects, here is how we help!
The job that T.E.S.S. Unlimited has taken on is to find and match children with a cleft lip and (or) palate with Doctors in order to receive the necessary surgery(ies). The surgeries performed will give the child the ability eat functionally. Not only does the surgery help the child eat and drink functionally but also helps prevent the child from illness and mal-nutrition. In Guatemala it is also very common that a child with a visible deformity is not in school because the families are either ashamed or scared for their child to be seen. After the child has their surgery they are more likely to get an education and live a more normal life.
There is a lot of work to be done before surgery is considered. When the baby weighs a minimum of 5 kg (10 pounds), doctors are able to consider a child for the lip procedure. After one year, a second surgery takes place to close the palate (a child must 18 months in order to receive the palate operation). In addition to the operation, there are extra costs involved like: medication, check-ups, transportation, lab costs, etc. The expenses vary for each child.
In order for T.E.S.S. Unlimited to help more children and even adults with surgeries on cleft lips and/or open palates, we have set out to search for potential patients ourselves. Especially in Western Guatemala (the Altiplano) you find many children born with some degree of lip deformity. There are also still many young adults and adults with cleft lips and/or open cleft palates. Unfortunately, nobody is aware that through a series of surgeries their lives could be drastically improved. Almost all parents think that it is God’s will, and sadly hide their children from view and from receiving medical attention.
We organize evaluation days all over Guatemala and offer assistance when needed with feeding (milk powder) to attain the weight of 5 kg (10 pounds). We also give out medication to bring the hemoglobin to the proper level. All of this is done in order to make sure the baby, child or adult is healthy and ready for surgery. After the operation we continue to follow up with the patients until they are completely able to live a normal life.
T.E.S.S. Unlimited not only tries to be the “link” between doctors and patients, but to provide the appropriate after care and support for the patient.
Would you like to create a smile on the face of a child or an adult? This miracle is possible for a gift of $ 200. We will be pleased to keep you informed about his/her new smile! We will send you pictures so you can be a part of the journey too!
T.E.S.S. Unlimited has a goal this year to help 200 children get there cleft lip/palate surgery! Help us reach this goal! On behalf of the children, we thank you in advance! For more information on how to get involved please email us at tessa@tessunlimited.nl!!!
