Joyce’s Journey from Patient to Advocate
A Mother’s Fear and a
Family’s Hope
When Nina gave birth to her daughter Joyce in Madagascar, she was overjoyed to finally have a baby girl after three sons. At the time, Nina knew little about cleft conditions or what they meant for her daughter’s future.
She worried about how Joyce would grow, eat, and speak, and didn’t know where to turn for help.
In Madagascar, a country with just a handful of plastic surgeons, access to cleft care is nearly impossible for most families. Paying for it themselves was unthinkable.
Nina, Joyce's momWhen Joyce was born, I just cried. The nurses asked what I had done, what I had eaten during the pregnancy… I felt such guilt and I cried and cried – every day!
A Life-Changing First Surgery
Soon after Joyce’s birth, Nina learned about Operation Smile. Within months, Joyce was healthy enough for her first operation.
“When I saw her afterwards, I didn’t recognize her – she looked so different! I had to make sure it was her by looking at her clothes. It took a few days to get used to it.”
It was the first of several surgeries, followed by speech therapy and orthodontics. Like most children born with a cleft palate, Joyce needed help learning how to form sounds. Speech therapists guided her with tips and exercises she could practice at home.
Giving Back to Others in Need
The care Joyce received inspired her whole family. Nina began volunteering, first as an interpreter and later as part of the child life team, preparing children for surgery through play. She also meets with parents whose children cannot yet have surgery because they are too ill or malnourished.
“I encourage them to come back. I usually tell them not to give up and that they must take responsibility for their children’s future.”
Nina understands their disappointment. Twice, she and Joyce returned home from a surgical program without surgery when Joyce was too sick for it to be safe.
Joyce Finds Her Voice
Today, Joyce is 10 years old and loves helping other children who are waiting for surgery. She often joins her mother at surgical programs, offering words of encouragement.
“Look at me, I’ve been in your situation. We were denied an operation twice, but you can’t give up.”
The Ripple Effect of Your Generosity
From a frightened little girl to a confident young advocate, Joyce’s story shows the powerful ripple effect of your support. Because of donors like you, she continues to receive the care she needs — and now she’s helping others find hope.
For every child like Joyce whose life has been transformed, there are many more still waiting for their chance. Your gift today can provide surgery, speech therapy, dental care, and the encouragement every child deserves to live, speak, and smile with confidence.
