Santosh, India
Santosh, a young boy, lives in the hilltop village of Shirgaon which is part of a small village colony of shepherds in India. The area is covered with dense evergreen forest and various types of trees. Although beautiful, Santosh’s village is only accessible by foot.
Four years ago, Santosh’s parents and grandfather brought him to Walawalkar (B.K.L.W. ) Hospital for treatment of his cleft lip and palate. Before bringing the boy to Walawalkar hospital, Santosh’s family had taken him to many hospitals in Pune and Mumbai for help, but they could never access treatment due to their inability to pay. As a result, Santosh’s cleft went un-repaired during his early years.
Among the children of his village, Santosh was considered odd due to the appearance of his cleft lip. His fellow students in the school use to tease him and laugh at him. Santosh also had difficulty with his speech, which gave him difficulty in school. For 5 years, Santosh managed to attend school despite these adversities, but due to his inability to speak correctly, the teachers eventually denied him further admission to school and his educational development was curtailed. Deprived of his right to an education, Santosh began working in the forest, cutting and carrying loads of firewood.
Santosh’s family was offered words of assurance by the cleft team at Walawalkar hospital, who examined him and offered free treatment for his cleft lip and palate as part of TFW’s program. He underwent the two surgeries and his appearance changed dramatically. Santosh’s speech has improved but he will require speech therapy and revision surgery to complete the treatment.
His family has expressed strong gratitude to team at Walawakar hospital, who have made such a difference in his life.
