Fellow Smile Train Supporter,

When Mouhamed was born with a cleft, his father, Amissou, faced an impossible dilemma: accept that his son might never eat, speak, or go to school – or fight for a future that seemed out of reach.

Will my son ever call me father? Will he be abandoned like so many other children with clefts?

For the first three months of his life, Amissou and his wife, Rafiatou, worked tirelessly to keep Mouhamed well nourished so he could grow strong enough for cleft surgery.

Can you imagine what it must feel like to have such a vulnerable child and such limited financial means? As a father, Amissou deeply felt the stress of his family’s situation. And was willing to do anything – everything – he could to give his little boy a chance at a healthy life.

Will you help ease the fears of a dad like Amissou today by supporting free cleft treatment for a baby in need?

Thankfully, this family found St. Dominique Catholic Hospital near their home in Yaoundé, Cameroon. There, thanks to loving Smile Train supporters like you, little Mouhamed could receive all the cleft treatment he would ever need, 100% free.

On the day of surgery, Amissou cried as he watched Mouhamed being wheeled to the operating room. Then he walked to the hospital courtyard, rolled out his prayer mat, and prayed for his son's life.

Amissou was filled with relief when he saw his son smile for the first time.

Today, Mouhamed is healthy and thriving. His village celebrated his miraculous transformation by celebrating in the streets.

This father now tells other families in a similar situation: "Your cleft is not a curse. This can be treated. There is a solution for it, and you can access it for free, thanks to Smile Train. Don't be afraid."

"What Smile Train did for my child is inexplicable," Amissou said. "You fought, and finally, you succeeded to give me a smile that I will never forget."

Thank you for being the answer to a father's prayer.

With gratitude,

P.S. Amissou's story is just one of the thousands your support makes possible. Your gift today can help another father find hope for his child. Please donate now. 💙