Leana's long wait is over
After years of waiting, five surgical programmes and countless obstacles, Leana reaches the end of her courageous journey to a new smile.
A childhood overshadowed
Under the scorching sun of Toamasina in Madagascar, Leana chases soap bubbles, her laughter ringing through the air. This little girl is bright-eyed and full of joy, yet her journey has been anything but easy.
Born with a cleft lip, Leana has faced health problems, social isolation, and four failed attempts at surgery. But today, after years of waiting, Leana’s new smile is finally within reach.
For her mother, Angeline, the shame and isolation of her daughter’s cleft has been unbearable.
The gossip was the worst. I didn’t hear what they said, but I knew people talked behind my back. I was too ashamed to take her to church – until a woman told me she was a gift from God.
Angeline, Leana’s mother
Leana’s family learned about Operation Smile when she was just 6 months old and immediately sought help. But their journey would be filled with heartbreak and obstacles.
A journey of resilience
Leana’s first surgery was unsuccessful. Her cleft had made it hard for her to feed, so she was small for her age and malnourished.
Determined to give their daughter a better future, her parents left their farm and travelled to Antsirabe for another surgical programme, but once again, Leana was deemed too unwell for surgery and they left disappointed. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, delaying everything further.
Despite these hardships, Leana’s family never gave up. Thanks to support from Operation Smile’s nutrition programme, their daughter finally reached a healthy weight.
Even then, the setbacks continued. She developed a fever before one scheduled surgery, and on another occasion, doctors suspected an infection. Each time, the family’s hopes were crushed.
A moment of truth
Now, at her fifth surgical programme, Leana sits quietly in her mother’s lap as Swedish volunteer paediatrician Christian Gadsbøll listens to her lungs.
Suddenly, concern flickers across his face. He consults his colleague Christian Kampik the anaesthesiologist. Time seems to freeze. Surely, they won’t have to turn Leana away again?
After what feels like an eternity, the team of medical volunteers smile. Leana is healthy. She is finally getting her surgery.
I almost had a heart attack. Last time, we had to stop before we could even start. I’m so, so happy that Leana is finally having her surgery today.
Christian Kampik, volunteer anaesthesiologist
Hours later, in the recovery room, Angeline strokes her daughter’s cheek gently. Tears of relief fill her eyes. The long wait is over.
A bright future
A year has passed since Leana’s surgery. Now back in her village, she beams with confidence, surrounded by children who had previously shunned her.
For the first time, Leana’s future looks bright. Soon she will start school, and her parents dream of an education that will open doors and lead to the bright future every child deserves.
Leana’s life has completely changed. The children who once avoided her now come to play with her. Her surgery has brought us joy and happiness.
Angeline