11/11/2025
Patricia, the mother of two-month-old Clayton, was unable to breastfeed him because he was born with a cleft lip and palate, conditions that made feeding extremely difficult. She was initially shocked when she first saw her son, as it was her first time encountering such conditions. Patricia also worried that Clayton’s appearance might affect his confidence as he grew, fearing that others would judge him unfairly. A cleft palate also negatively impacts feeding, speech, hearing, and dental health, adding to her concerns.
However, her fears eased when she learned that CURE Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe, through the generosity of a donor, would cover all of Clayton’s surgical expenses at no cost to her. After his cleft lip surgery, Clayton now beams with a bright, beautiful smile that he will carry proudly throughout his life. Most recently, he also underwent cleft palate surgery and is now recovering well at home.
