Clara's Story
Life-changing cleft care for Clara
When Clara was born in Madagascar with a cleft lip and palate, her parents were heartbroken. Unable to cope with her daughter’s condition, Clara’s mother abandoned her. However, from the moment he set eyes on his fragile baby daughter, her father Dede cherished and loved his precious little girl. He knew he would do anything to give her the best life possible.
Dede was desperate to protect Clara. Like any devoted father, he just wanted Clara to have a fair chance in life, to laugh, play and study like other little girls.
Instead, Dede was forced to watch as his daughter was bullied and teased for the way she looked. Soon, her confidence and education began to suffer. Dede could only keep her safe at home where she was loved.
Dede never stopped searching far and wide for a treatment to help his daughter. Finally, a glimmer of hope when he learned that surgery could repair Clara’s cleft lip and palate. He was relieved and shocked to find out this life-changing surgery would be free.
When we came home from the hospital after surgery, everybody in our village was amazed to see her, she looked so different, like another person. I explained to them that it was thanks to Operation Smile.
Dede, Clara’s father, Madagascar
