By: Fenny Achieng Otieno

Jacinta watched over her son, Lawrence, a peaceful rhythm rising and falling in his tiny chest with each breath. He lay in the sterile hospital bed, a stark contrast to the life-changing surgery he’d undergone just yesterday. The free camp organized by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) had given Lawrence the gift of a repaired cleft lip.                                                                                                       The camp is a collaboration between JOOTRH , the Kenya Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (KSPRAS), Smile Train, and the University of Nairobi.                                                  

The past eight months had been an emotional rollercoaster since Lawrence’s birth. The cleft lip, a constant reminder, gnawed at Jacinta. As the nurses called Lawrence’s name, a wave of numbness washed over her. Fear mingled with hope as she kissed his forehead, whispering reassurances before entrusting him to the medical team. This surgery was their first step towards a future free from judgment and ridicule, a future filled with unhindered smiles.

Hours ticked by in the waiting room, each one an eternity. Finally, the surgeon emerged, a weary smile spreading across his face. “The surgery was a success,” he declared. Relief flooded Jacinta, a dam breaking within her. Rushing to her son’s side, tears welled in her eyes as she beheld his transformed face, the cleft lip a memory.

Memories swirled in her mind. The initial shock of Lawrence’s birth, the fear not just for his appearance, but for his ability to eat and his overall health. Now, gently tracing his smooth cheek, a wave of gratitude washed over her. The skilled surgeons at JOOTRH had given Lawrence a chance, a future brimming with possibility.

Hope, a nascent flame, flickered within Jacinta. Challenges awaited, of course, but Lawrence would face them with newfound confidence. The recovery, however, proved more arduous than anticipated. Swelling lingered in his tiny face, the aftereffects of the surgery bringing sleepless nights for both mother and son. Jacinta ached for him, a pang of guilt for putting him through this ordeal. Yet, she faced the challenges head-on, her courage unwavering.

Jacinta’s heart overflowed with gratitude for JOOTRH. Their exceptional care and expertise had transformed her son’s life. The dedication and compassion of the medical team resonated deeply. With heartfelt thanks, she acknowledged their pivotal role in providing hope and healing, ensuring a brighter future for Lawrence, a future filled with smiles.