The Smile Foundation will provide reconstructive facial surgeries and therapy to 22 children, giving them a chance to heal and find joy in their lives.
Bloemfontein, South Africa (05 September 2024) – Facial anomalies and burn injuries in children often extend far beyond their physical appearance. These devastating injuries can lead to deep emotional and psychological scars that are difficult to overcome.
For ten-year-old Kananelo, this has been a heartbreaking reality since his tragic burn accident, which left painful scars, inside and out.
At just two years old, a pot of hot cooking oil scalded his skin, leaving his face and neck severely burned and his chin fused to his chest. This prevents him from lifting his head and causes constant discomfort.
Since that fateful day, life has been forever changed for Kananelo and his family. His mother, working in Sasolburg, faces the dual burden of worry and financial strain.
Each month, she travels from Sasolburg to Qwaqwa, where Kananelo lives with his grandmother, and together, they go to Bloemfontein Hospital for check-ups, a painful reminder of the day that altered their lives.
Bringing hope to this young boy and his family is the Smile Foundation’s Smile Week reconstructive surgery initiative.
Smile Week, a life-changing initiative coordinated by Smile Foundation and sponsored by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), will offer Kananelo and 21 other children hope by providing reconstructive surgeries and therapy at Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH) in Bloemfontein from the 2-6 September.
“Seeing Kananelo in pain after the accident breaks my heart. He’s scarred inside and out, and children tease him, making school unbearable. The tight scars around his mouth and neck make speaking difficult. We are incredibly grateful to ACSA, Smile Foundation, and the kind doctors who are giving him the chance to smile again,” shared Smile Foundation’s CEO, Tarri Parfitt.
Parfitt further expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, the dedicated surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff who will make 22 miracles possible.
“Because of your support, these children will receive life-changing surgeries, opening doors to a future filled with smiles, self-acceptance and the simple joys of childhood. You are also giving families the immeasurable gifts of joy, hope and emotional healing. You are the true heroes.”
Sources: Smile Foundation
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