Jellianne is a two-year-old girl from Makato, Aklan, living in the mountains. She has seven siblings, and she was born with a cleft lip and palate, a condition that runs on her father’s side of the family. Her appearance scared people in her community forcing her family to live a secluded life.
The family's income currently comes from the fact that their mother is doing laundry by hand in the river. Her father is unable to work because of a construction accident with life consequences. He sells what he grows in the field close to the house. They are in contact with people when they go to the village once a week. Despite their life is very simple and the financial situation is not good, they love their children and always want to do the best for them.
Jelliane’s introduction to Alliance for Smiles Executive Director Alison Healy was made possible by Mrs. Malou Dela Vega. There were obstacles, however. Because of their financial situation, the family could not afford the trip to Manila. Alison reached out via email to members of the organization. Founder of HuaQiao Foundation and one of the Manila mission sponsors, Mr. Frank Yih responded and pledged to cover the family’s transportation and living expenses, so that Jellianne can undergo this life-changing surgery.
According to lead surgeon Dr. Ahmed Gad, the child had a “bilateral complete cleft lip and palate” and that typically these surgeries are done at three months and nine months respectively. After a long surgery and a short period of recovery, at the Final Clinic and the last day of the mission the whole team saw the transformation of Jelliane, and she looked amazing! This journey through Jellianne’s transformation was documented in detail by our mission photographer documentarist Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor. No longer would people in her village be afraid of her. Jelliane’s family was grateful for the Alliance for Smile team and for all sponsors for bringing a smile to their daughter’s face that she will be proud of for the rest of her life! Jellianne’s family is very happy for their little Jellianne. To Alliance for Smiles team, all sponsors and especially Mr. Frank they want to say truly, Thank you!
September 28 - October 12, 2019, I was a mission photographer in Manila, Philippines at the Rizal Medical Center for Alliance for Smiles You can watch my presentation on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4FydbOxFP8 ©Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor
