In a small, metal shanty house at the end of an alley, Margarita faces the daily struggles of raising her two daughters, Yeisy, 5, and Daniela, 4. Daniela was born with a cleft lip and palate, a condition that initially left Margarita feeling overwhelmed and confused. To shield her family from the bullying and ridicule often faced by children with such conditions, Margarita found herself retreating into their humble home, a space that consists of only two rooms, lacks running water, and has limited electricity.
Life is particularly challenging for this family during heavy rains when the river nearby threatens to overflow. Yet, despite these obstacles, a glimmer of hope emerged through social media. Margarita discovered Operation Smile and reached out for help, sparking a journey of hope and healing for her daughter.
Daniela’s journey to surgery was fraught with challenges, requiring multiple screenings and visits before she could finally receive the care she so desperately needed.
Tragically, just as they were preparing for Daniela’s much-needed surgery, disaster struck. A tropical disturbance swept across the Caribbean, bringing torrential rains that caused the river to overflow, flooding their home and destroying their few possessions. The aftermath of the storm left the family in even more dire circumstances, and their financial support comes from Daniela’s grandmother’s husband, who does what he can, but resources are limited.
With the unwavering support and dedication of Operation Smile Dominican Republic, she underwent her first cleft lip surgery in April. Just a few months later, in September, she successfully had palate surgery, marking significant milestones in her path to health.
As part of our commitment to provide comprehensive care to our patients, we continue to closely monitor Daniela’s health. She will receive speech therapy to help her prepare for school, psychosocial support to enhance her interactions with peers, and improved nutrition, ensuring she can eat without difficulty.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support that makes these transformations possible. Daniela deserves a chance at a brighter future—one filled with smiles, free from fear and ridicule, where she can grow up healthy and happy. But we couldn’t achieve this without your help.
When you give today, your gift will be DOUBLED to help twice as many families like Daniela’s.
