Before Alfred reached his 30s, he was under the impression that there was nothing he could do to alter the way he looked. Because he was born with a cleft problem, he was used to the discomfort of being looked at in a certain way. But he never struck back since he was under the impression that God had designed him with a cleft lip.
It took him ten years to get up the nerve to propose marriage to the woman who had been the love of his life for the most of those years, Alice. The couple now has three children and makes their income by cultivating rice and vegetables on a parcel of land they purchased together. Their lives are filled with pleasure because of their unconditional love for one another.
A traveler who stopped by their community one day informed Alfred that he may get surgery to fix the cleft lip he was born with. Alfred left his house and traveled to the hospital in the next closest town by walking for four hours and then taking a bus for two hours in order to get there. But after learning how much the whole procedure would cost, he realized that his family just did not have the financial resources to pay for surgery.
In spite of the excruciating discomfort he experienced as a result of living with an untreated cleft condition for more than half a century, he chose to carry on with his life, always greeting everyone with warmth and a bright grin. He had no idea that his life would take such an unexpected turn.
But in 2018, patient advocates with Operation Smile named Fidelis and Bao traveled to his town in search of children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Alfred was contacted by Fidelis, whose son had gotten a new grin from the organization, and informed about Operation grin. Fidelis explained that volunteers might give him with safe and life-changing treatment. Alfred thanked Fidelis for his help.
As a result of hearing Fidelis’ account, Alfred was able to have the necessary operation in Antsirabe, where the family had planned to visit anyhow. Now, he shares his story of how Operation Smile and our devoted volunteers completely transformed his life with anybody who would listen.
Rosafrederis, his brother, was also born with a cleft problem when he was born. According to Alfred, his brother is timid and did not want to go to Antsirabe with him because he was afraid of what may happen there. On the other hand, he has high hopes that Rosafrederis will witness his improved smile and be inspired to participate in a future Operation Smile expedition and have surgery herself.
The effect that Alfred’s new grin has had on him is something that his family knows better than anybody else. Alice was aware for the most of their life together how distressing her husband found the constant taunting. Since he had surgery, she now understands and participates in the happiness that he experiences.
Alfred expressed his gratitude by saying, “Thank you, Operation Smile.” “I ask that you please carry on with your work.”
