Seven-month-old Liyunesh underwent a lip repair and facial skin tag removal today.
Reaching this moment took perseverance—her family traveled nearly 12 hours from their village, and her surgery was initially delayed due to a medical concern. Her parents were deeply relieved and grateful that Liyunesh could safely receive care.
In a handwritten note, Liyunesh’s mother shared that when her daughter was born with facial malformations, their village shunned the family, believing her condition was caused by wrongdoing by the parents.
This care meant more than surgery. It meant dignity, acceptance, and hope. She thanked Dr. Phil Chaffin for giving her daughter what she called a “golden chance.”
Great work, team!
#nonprofit #cleftstrong #pediatricsurgery #GlobalHealth #AccessToCare
A shared smile, curious eyes, a moment of play at the hospital. 💛
These are some of the beautiful children our volunteers have met in Bahir Dar.
Every child deserves a future shaped by health, dignity, and opportunity.
#nonprofit #pediatricsurgery #GlobalHealth #Ethiopia #ChangingLives
Today marked a milestone.
ENT fellow Dr. Kassaw Ketemaw and CSI Academic Director Dr. Siva Chinnadurai completed an 8-hour total ear reconstruction—a first for Dr. Kassaw.
The surgery was a success, and because of it, this patient can now live free from stigma. This is what training, partnership, and collaboration make possible.
Congratulations, team! In total, 8 patients received surgery today from our volunteers and partners.
More to come in the two remaining days of this surgical training trip.
#pediatricsurgery #globalwarming #earreconstruction #Ethiopia #ChangingLives
College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia.
Day 2 of surgeries has ended!
The man in the dark gray scrubs is Eskinder, one of our longtime Taitu Tour and Travel Ethiopia interpreters. After years of helping families and CSI volunteers communicate with one another, today was the first time he witnessed a surgery.
Eskinder was deeply moved by the experience and our volunteers were happy to have him in the OR.
#pediatricsurgery #nonprofit #Ethiopia #childhealth #AccessToCare
“We were very shameful about the baby's cleft before surgery, now we are proud and we feel very happy about the surgery. We would like to thank you very much.” Parent, Ethiopia
