Thanks to the efforts of Food For The Poor (Guy) Inc (FFTP), two children from the hinterland have been afforded life-changing surgeries to correct a congenital condition.
The FFTP in a release yesterday said that under its Benevolence Programme, the two children, Brianna Charles, and Dave Charles, were able to access transformative cleft lip surgeries that were performed on January 13, at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, in South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
Brianna, who is two years old, lives in the remote village of Tabatinga, a developing Amerindian community west of Lethem in Region Nine, while Dave, who is 11, lives in the remote village of Moco Moco, also in Lethem, Region Nine.
According to the release, Dave and Brianna were born with cleft lips causing them to face numerous challenges. The stigmatization and social isolation they experienced due to their condition created barriers that hindered their personal and social development.
It was explained that a cleft lip or palate (roof of the mouth), occurs when tissues in a baby’s face and mouth do not fuse properly. Fortunately, a cleft lip can be corrected. Surgeries can restore normal function and achieve a more natural appearance in most babies. Cleft lip and cleft palate are two of the most common congenital disabilities. They can cause a wide range of challenges for children, including difficulty with feeding, ear infections and hearing loss, dental problems, speech difficulties, and social, emotional, and behavioural issues.
Brianna’s mother, Bebanie Charles, expressed her gratitude for the support she received from
FFTP (Guy) Inc. “I want to say a big thank you for everything. Food For The Poor has helped me a lot, and I appreciate everything they have done for me. I pray that God continues to bless Food For The Poor.”
And Dave’s mother, Lucimina Charles, stated, “I am very grateful for the work Food For The Poor has done. Food For The Poor has made a significant investment in our lives, and as a mother, I feel very proud. I will never forget what Food For The Poor has done for me and my son. You have changed his life for the better.”
FFTP’s Benevolence Programme initiative is part of the organisation’s commitment to reducing poverty and acknowledges the significant impact medical interventions can have on the overall well-being of individuals and communities. The programme was launched in 2022 and continues to provide medical assistance to individuals with severe medical needs who cannot afford proper treatment, the release added.
