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Tabitha Gets Her Lip Sewn
“Mom, sew my lip with a needle,” requested Tabitha.
The four-year-olds’ friends had been making fun of her cleft lip
again. Her big dark chocolate eyes couldn’t hide the frustration
and hurt any longer. This wasn’t the first time she had asked her
mother to do this. As poor Nigerian farmers from Miango, Tabitha’s
parents’ hearts broke again, knowing there wasn’t any money
for surgery.
A Journey’s Beginning
The Marcus’ journey to help their daughter began when she was four
months old. This was good considering plastic surgeons say the best time
to do a cleft lip surgery is when the child is between three and six months.
Traveling from their rural village into the city, they went to the hospital
to ask how much the surgery would cost. The trip was necessary because
telephones were unheard of in their area. Unfortunately, the Marcus' could
not afford the cost and went back home to raise the funds.
After a time, they collected enough money and went back to the hospital
with great anticipation. They discovered the cost had gone up. Disappointed,
the family went back home. The determined parents made this trip several
times, only to receive the same answer of rejection. Meanwhile, the gap
in Tabitha’s lip was growing. If she didn’t get surgery soon,
her top gum would be deformed and crooked adult teeth would come in. Speech
and more eating disorders were also in her future.
Hope Lies around the Corner
Earlier this year, Operation Blessing staff began laying groundwork for
the Set a Child Free cleft lip/palate program in Nigeria. They
asked if the same hospital that Tabitha had visited would be interested
in helping. The hospital staff said yes and then asked us if we could
assist Tabitha. After checking Tabitha and interviewing her parents, we
quickly arranged for her to have free surgery. On May 16, 2003, the four-year-old
had her “lip sewed with a needle”.
Mr. and Mrs. Marcus were overcome with relief and thankfulness when they
saw that the operation had been a success. Mrs. Marcus said, “Thank
you. We don’t know what to say to you. May God continue to increase
your love for the needy. We are happy and thankful to you. May God reward
you.”
Tabitha looks forward to not being made fun of by her friends anymore.
She also will be able to speak and eat just fine. During her post-op check
up Tabitha wore a t-shirt that said, “When I’m quiet you better
find me!” If this saying is any indication of what she will be like,
you have truly helped Set a Child Free!
Help Us Set a Child Free!
Your gift of just $34 a month for 12 months -- or your special gift of
$400 – will sponsor corrective surgery for one boy or girl suffering
from a cleft lip or palate. Help set a child free today!
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