Because we screened so many patients on opening clinic day, we were unable to offer everyone surgery this week, and some were waitlisted.  But due to a last minute cancellation, we called the family of Andrea Guerra, hoping they could come.  The relatives couldn’t believe the news but thought they wouldn’t make it in time for that day’s surgery.  However, the mother, Lexi Manzaba, and Andrea arrived in a record three hours on a journey which normally would have taken six.  A perfect example of how parents so appreciate the opportunity that Alliance for Smiles – and our supporters – bring to families in need.

Andrea came back to visit us when our team returned a few months later. As you can see from the picture below, her lip is healing beautifully. She is so young that she likely will never know the health issues or bullying that so many children with clefts experience when they are unable to access life-changing surgery.