Siddhi Santosh Ghanekar, India
When Siddhi’s cleft lip operation was performed, she was just 9 months old. Her father, a casual labourer, is the only wage-earner in his household which includes his extended family. All seven family members live under one grass-roofed hut. Siddhi is the youngest of three siblings, and is now almost three years old.
Before the cleft repair operation, Siddhi’s mother could not sleep or eat properly for nearly 7 months because her mother in – law and other elders of her family suggested her that Siddhi’s cleft was due to her poor behaviour and conduct.
When the village Sarpanch (Elder) heard about Siddhi’s condition, he met Siddhi’s father and told him that a cleft can be repaired, and reassured him that his wife was not responsible for his daughter’s cleft condition. He was advised to seek help at the Walawalkar Hospital, which has a partnership with TFW. Soon after, Siddhi was examined and received free surgery from Dr. Thatte’s team.
After the surgery, her father and mother felt gratitude and happiness at the results of the procedure. Siddhi’s case was a success, and evidence of the cleft has virtually disappeared. She now looks like other children and can speak clearly. Her family expresses thanks to B.K.L.W. Hospital as well as Transforming Faces Worldwide (TFW).
