Rayyan’s Journey After Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Rayyan was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate in Okara, a city in central Punjab, Pakistan, about 120 km from Lahore. Like many developing areas, Okara lacks access to advanced healthcare facilities.

A Painful Start

After Rayyan’s birth, relatives visited to congratulate the family. However, instead of joy, many reacted with shock and made hurtful comments about his appearance. As the first child in the family born with a severe cleft condition, Rayyan’s parents were devastated and overwhelmed. To avoid further emotional pain, they began hiding him whenever visitors came.

Despite the criticism, his parents held onto faith and hope. They believed their son deserved a normal life and began searching for hospitals that could treat his condition.

Medical Struggles

Rayyan faced feeding difficulties and respiratory issues, requiring frequent medical visits. During one consultation, a pediatrician informed the family that his condition was treatable and referred them to a plastic surgeon. He was then advised to begin Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) therapy.

Although the family was financially unstable, they managed to complete three months of NAM treatment. However, after the therapy, the hospital demanded PKR 250,000 for cleft lip surgery — an amount far beyond their reach. Rayyan’s father, a farmer with limited income, could not afford the cost. The family even considered selling household belongings to raise the money.

Finding Hope

During another medical visit, a physician referred them to Dr. Irfan Ishaq, a plastic surgeon in Lahore. When Rayyan was five months old, his parents met Dr. Irfan and shared their struggles. They explained how they had been searching desperately for treatment but were discouraged by high costs.

Dr. Irfan reassured them and said they did not need to sell anything. Through Smile Home Trust, in partnership with Smile Train, Rayyan’s surgery could be performed completely free of cost.

A Life-Changing Smile

Rayyan underwent successful cleft lip surgery in Lahore. When his parents saw their son’s new smile, their relief and happiness were beyond words.

At the second follow-up visit, they shared with joy:

“Now we no longer hide our son from anyone. We are thankful to Dr. Irfan Ishaq’s team and Smile Train for giving our son a new smile and a brighter future.”