Layan’s Story

In July of 2022, in Tripoli, Lebanon, Layan was born into the world with a cleft
condition—something her parents had never expected. From the very beginning, their
baby struggled. Despite their love and care, Layan faced constant discomfort, illness,
and the silent weight of a condition they could not yet mend.
For Marwa, Layan’s mother, the struggle was painfully familiar. She, too had been born
with a cleft lip and had endured the emotional and physical toll it brought. But nothing
could have prepared her for the shame and blame cast by her extended family, who
cruelly pointed fingers at her for passing down the condition to her daughter.
Isolated in Tripoli, with no other children and little access to specialized medical care,
Marwa felt the walls closing in. But there was hope. She

learned about Global Smile Foundation (GSF) through the hospital staff.
Determined to give Layan the chance she never had, Marwa embarked on a long
journey—three hours each way by bus and taxi—to reach the hospital. It was
exhausting, but for her daughter, it was a small price to pay. Both mother and daughter
received care from GSF. Layan received surgery for her primary cleft lip, and Marwa
received a lip revision to minimize the scar and brighten her smile!
From the moment they arrived, Marwa felt something she hadn’t in a long time: peace.
The treatment was “kind”, and the environment “comforting,” she recalls. Marwa felt
confident that she could trust GSF to care for her daughter.
Today, Layan is a joyous and confident toddler, living proof of the power of
comprehensive cleft care. Marwa reflects with gratitude: “They provided excellent
treatment, made us feel hopeful and safe, and showed genuine care for our child”.

Hope arrived when they learned about the Global Smile Foundation through a cousin who had undergone cleft surgery with GSF over 20 years ago. In September 2021, Neythan underwent his first surgery during the GSF Outreach Program. Although Jazmin was anxious, the high-quality care provided by the GSF team eased her fears. Since then, Neythan has returned for additional surgeries and ongoing care, including dental, psychosocial, and speech therapy. 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.