“There are few missionary endeavors that compound the harvest like CMM. CMM is more than a daily feeding program, a medical hospital, schools for the under-privileged and the blind. It is a ministry that hands out hope in the name of Jesus Christ!”

Charlie Tuttle
Family Worship Center

 


line

Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery

  • About
  • What We're Doing
  • What You Can Do

In India an estimated 30,000 children are born annually with cleft deformities adding to the backlog of one million adults who have no treatement due to lack of resources. Cleft lips and palates are the 4th most common birth defect, occurring in 1 of 700 births. In 45% of cases they occur together. Children with this condition suffer from a separation of the upper lip or roof of the mouth, which usually fuse together during the first three months after birth. Cleft lips vary from a notch in the upper lip to a complete separation of the lip extending to the nose. Cleft palates are less visible and appear as a small to large opening in the roof of the mouth.

Children affected with cleft lips and palates face numerous physical challenges including health complications, speech impediments, difficulty breathing, dental deformities, eating challenges, ear infections, and hearing loss. Compounding their physical handicaps, affected children face various social stigmas. In addition to the humiliation of having a physical deformity, many children with cleft lips must face the added shame of feeling cursed -- a superstition many Indians believe. Consequenetly, these children frequently avoid school and social interaction because of low self-esteem.

Fixing a cleft lip or palate is not complicated. In India, it only costs $250 per surgery. However, many children and their families will never be able to save enough and most need at least two surgeries. Our hospital's team of nurses and surgeons are bringing back smiles to the faces of children and their families effected by cleft lips and palates by providing free surgeries throughout the year.

Support a Cleft Palate Surgery

The surgery to correct a cleft lip or palate is neither complicated nor expensive. For just $250 you can pay for one child's surgery. To make a donation, please go to our donation page.

Support Post-Surgery Dental Care

Children affected with cleft lips and palates face dental deformities. For just $50 you can take care of one child's post cleft palate dental and speech therapy work. To make a donation, please go to our donation page.