Success Stories

	Chidziwitso is a 3 year old boy who had his cleft lip repaired by Dr. Dean in 2011. He was shy and reserved prior to his operation. He presented for follow up with Dr. Dean during the 2013 surgical mission trip with confidence and a beautiful smile.
	Nelson, named after Nelson Mandela by his father due to his loving personality, underwent bilateral cleft lip repair by Dr. Shay Byron Dean in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
	Talandila is a 2 year old girl who underwent cleft lip repair to restore shape, form, and function. With your assistance, many more children can be surgically reconstructed for years to come. Please support our mission to provide this service in Africa and around the world.
	Dr. Dean partnered with Operation of Hope in Papua New Guinea to perform 30 cleft surgerie for children in need.
	This baby was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate as well as other facial anomalies. Repairting her lip was the first step toward restoring facial form and function. The parents' reaction after cleft repair in these children is often tearful, joyful, and impactful.
	Webbed neck surgical procedure performed by Dr. Dean.
	Baby Delta underwent unilateral cleft lip repair by Dr. Shay Byron Dean in Papua New Guinea.
	The Surgical Healing of Africa's Youth Foundation is a 501 C3 non-profit organization aimed at providing volunteer reconstructive surgery to those in need. Reconstructive efforts include treating children with congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate and general reconstruction for traumatic injuries, burns and other surgical problems.
	The Surgical Healing of Africa's Youth Foundation is a 501 C3 non-profit organization aimed at providing volunteer reconstructive surgery to those in need. Reconstructive efforts include treating children with congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate and general reconstruction for traumatic injuries, burns and other surgical problems.

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Mariam is a 50 year old female with severe keloids to her bilateral cheeks. Although keloids often recur, with good surgical technique and follow up, the recurrence can be minimized. Mariam was extremely happy to have them removed after nearly 20 years.

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"This patient was so gratifying to take care of", says Dr. Dean. "He was so thankful and appreciative. What I will remember most, is how happy he was even before his surgery. He spent 24 years without repair. It reminded me that happiness is a mindset, and a matter of perspective". Shay Dean 2013

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Beatrice is a 29 year old woman who gave up hope on having her cleft lip repaired. She was turned away multiple times as a child because there weren't plastic surgeons available to do the reconstruction. Dr. Dean was able to repair her on his last day in Malawi with the help of dedicated anesthesia, nursing, and surgical tech staff willing to work on a Saturday.

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This child suffered burns to his hands resulting in fusion of the fingers. Dr. Dean was able to restore his right hand function by releasing the burn contractures and by skin grafting between the fingers. He now has the improved ability to use his hand. He still needs the left hand repaired.