15-year-old Sandhiya wants to become a doctor and help children affected with cleft lip and palate, children like her.
Sandhiya was born with a cleft lip and palate in Arni, a small town about four hours away from our cleft care program in India. At 10 months of age, Sandhiya had her lip repaired and continued with treatment for her cleft palate, speech, hearing and oral health. She and her parents have travelled a long distance to access medical care roughly two times per month and have seen amazing results over the years.
Her parents explain that, “We never attended any social gathering as we were scared how people would react. The nurses assured [us] that she will be fine with early repair at [Sri Ramachandra University] hospital.”
Sandhiya’s parents have been comforted by the care they have received at SRU. “We are really happy as we are getting proper guidance and treatment.”
They have noticed a huge difference for their daughter and their family: “Our social life has changed; now we attend all gatherings. We are happy that she is doing well academically as well as in co-curricular activities like singing.”
