From Silence to Smile

Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ondari Ogega In ward seven annex at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), 19-year-old Lydia Awuor sits patiently on her hospital bed. She waits to be called into the operating theatre for a procedure that may mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life—a cleft lip surgery. Lydia was born and raised in Migori County. From birth, she had a visible cleft lip, a condition that her parents, like many others in rural communities, did not understand could be treated. With limited access to healthcare information and financial strain, they did not seek medical help during her early years. Lydia’s condition remained untreated, and as she grew, so did the emotional and social burden it carried. At two years, she went to live with her grandmother as her mother faced complications during another pregnancy. She stayed there until she began school. From a young age, Lydia was often teased by other children, which affected her confidence. She avoided social interaction and preferred to stay alone. In school, she would eat by herself and rarely spoke in public. She often covered her mouth while talking or walking past others. In high school, the teasing continued. She became more withdrawn, and although she wore a brave face, the impact on her mental well-being was significant. “It affected how I saw myself,” Lydia says. “I kept wondering why I was different from my siblings or other students. “I hated my look” Despite the emotional challenges, Lydia remained focused on her education. She recently secured a place at university, where she is set to begin her studies in September and pursue a degree in Education Arts, majoring in Kiswahili and Christian Religious Education (CRE). Her dream is to become a teacher, not just to educate, but to be a source of encouragement for students who may feel excluded or misunderstood—just as she once did. Today, Lydia is one of seven patients scheduled to undergo corrective surgery during a cleft lip and palate medical camp at JOOTRH. The camp, running from 14th to 17th July 2025, is a partnership between JOOTRH, the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, and Smile Train. The program offers free surgeries to eligible patients enrolled in the Social Health Authority insurance scheme. Cleft conditions affect more than appearance. Children and adults with cleft lips often face social challenges. Surgery helps them reintegrate and participate fully in life. Dr. Stephen Bati, a maxillofacial surgeon at JOOTRH shares. The youngest patient at the camp is only three months old. For Lydia this moment is a step towards rebuilding her confidence. As the nurses prepare to take her to theatre, Lydia takes a deep breath. After years of waiting, today brings her closer to something she has quietly longed for: acceptance, both from others and within hers.

From Silence to Smile

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