When Basma was born in a small village in Morocco, her parents, Mohammed and Hanane, were filled with a mix of emotions. For Mohammed, a 43-year-old vegetable seller, Basma was a blessing from Allah. But Hanane, a 33-year-old mother who had never been to school, felt overwhelmed with shock and sadness. Their baby girl was born with a cleft lip and palate, and her cries were a constant reminder of the challenges ahead.
With no family history of cleft conditions and no signs during pregnancy, Basma’s condition was unexpected. At the hospital, the doctors didn’t immediately tell them that surgery could help. The uncertainty weighed heavily on Mohammed and Hanane, but their faith and close family bonds gave them strength. Mohammed was determined to find help for his newborn daughter.
When Basma was just a week old, the family made a life-changing decision. They traveled seven hours by bus to Casablanca, hoping to find answers. There, at the Operation Smile Morocco Care Centre, they were met with warmth and support. For the first time, Hanane felt a sense of hope. The staff welcomed them with open arms, reassuring them that Basma’s future could be bright. At the centre, the team lovingly suggested naming their baby “Basma,” which means “smile” in Moroccan Arabic. Hanane and Mohammed decided to embrace the name, and it became a symbol of the hope they now carried.
Their journey wasn’t easy. Each month, they made the long trip to Casablanca for appointments, facing financial and emotional challenges. But the Operation Smile Care Centre became a lifeline for Hanane. She connected with other mothers who were going through similar struggles, and each visit strengthened their hope. Knowing they weren’t alone in this journey made all the difference.
When Basma was finally scheduled for surgery in Agadir, Mohammed and Hanane reflected on how far they had come. The shock and fear they once felt had turned into overwhelming gratitude. They were thankful for the incredible support they received—support made possible by generous donors like you. Because of this kindness, Basma’s future was no longer limited by her cleft condition but filled with possibilities.
“Thank you to the whole team for all you do,” Mohammed said, his voice full of emotion.
Today, Basma is a happy and thriving five-year-old, her bright smile lighting up every room she enters. Her journey has been one of courage, love, and hope, and it was made possible by the generosity of Operation Smile supporters.
