Shameem’s Journey After Cleft Lip and Nasal Surgery

This is the story of an elderly woman who spent her childhood and youth living with a cleft lip and nasal deformity, enduring lifelong social stigma. Even after decades of personal suffering, her greatest struggle was not for herself — but for her family.

A Life Marked by Stigma

Shameem Shabir was born with a cleft lip and nasal deformity in Bhimber District, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. From birth, her facial difference shaped how society treated her. She grew up feeling isolated, often teased by children and stared at by adults. Hurtful comments from relatives added to her emotional burden.

Her father, despite financial hardship, attempted surgical treatment for her in childhood at a local hospital. Unfortunately, due to limited expertise, the surgery did not achieve good results, leaving her with residual deformity. The family accepted it as fate.

As she grew older, her condition also caused physical problems, including difficulty breathing due to a deviated nasal septum (DNS), recurrent sinus infections, and headaches.

Marriage and Family Responsibilities

Shameem married in her late thirties to a man twenty years older than her, who had lost his first wife. He married her with the hope that she would help raise his daughters. Despite social gossip, her husband treated her with respect. She lovingly cared for her stepdaughters and later became a mother to two sons.

For a time, life felt stable. But as the children grew older, new emotional challenges emerged.

A Mother’s Silent Pain

Her children began feeling embarrassed to introduce her in social settings due to her appearance. School meetings and public gatherings became difficult. As marriage proposals came for her stepdaughters, families often withdrew after meeting Shameem, making hurtful remarks about her appearance. One daughter even blamed her for rejected proposals.

Shameem felt helpless. She feared her presence was becoming a reason for tension within her family. She worried her children might suffer the same social pain she had endured.

Seeking Hope Once Again

Determined to restore peace and dignity in her family, Shameem decided to seek corrective surgery again. She visited hospitals in nearby cities but found the cost of plastic surgery beyond her means.

She prayed for a solution. Soon, her son informed her about a free medical camp in Bhimber, where doctors from Lahore were offering consultations.

At the OPD camp in Kashmir Surgimed Hospital, she met Dr. Irfan Ishaq. When asked why she wanted surgery at this stage of life, she tearfully explained that although her husband accepted her, her children suffered socially because of her appearance.

Dr. Irfan reassured her that her secondary cleft lip and nasal deformity correction was possible and that Smile Train would sponsor her treatment. This news brought her immense hope.

A Life Transformed

After medical screening, Shameem underwent surgery at Masood Hospital, Lahore. The next day, when she looked in the mirror, she realized how long she had waited to see herself as a complete woman.

The transformation was not only physical — it restored her confidence, dignity, and sense of self-worth.

Gratitude and Healing

Looking back, Shameem recognizes the emotional journey she endured, but she feels stronger today. She expresses deep gratitude to Smile Home Trust, Dr. Irfan Ishaq and his surgical team, and Smile Train for sponsoring the procedure that changed her life and brought peace back to her family.