In the challenging landscape of under-resourced regions, prenatal care is often limited, and parents are sometimes caught off guard by the unexpected. This was the case for Jazmin and Juan, whose world was turned upside down when they welcomed their son, Neythan, into the world, only to learn moments after his birth that he had a cleft lip and palate.
Despite the overwhelming love she felt for her newborn, Jazmin was overcome with worry. The road ahead seemed uncertain, and Neythan’s struggles with feeding left her feeling helpless. As Neythan’s mother, she wept not just for her own fears, but also for her son’s discomfort. When strangers in public cast judgmental glances at her baby, Jazmin’s pain deepened. The weight of it all took a toll on Jazmin, leading her into postpartum depression.
But hope was not far away. Living near Guayaquil, Ecuador, Neythan’s family learned about Global Smile Foundation (GSF) from a cousin who had undergone cleft surgery with GSF two decades prior. In September 2021, Neythan and his parents went to the GSF Outreach Program. Although Jazmin was understandably anxious as Neythan underwent his first surgery, she later said that the expertise of the GSF and Fundacion Global Smile-Ecuador teams made her feel safe.
Since then, Neythan has returned for additional surgeries and ongoing care, including dental, speech therapy, and psychological support. His journey continues, supported by a loving community and a team of professionals dedicated to building brighter futures for children like him. Every child deserves a healthy smile.