Marcella’s Answer Came in the Form of a Radio Ad

Laced and Andry were overjoyed to be expecting another child. Would their daughter, Sarobidy, have a little brother or sister? Yet beneath the excitement, a quiet unease lingered. 

Joy filled the room when Marcella was born, but it was fleeting. 

Laced and Andry’s midwife had news. It was the very fear that had weighed on their hearts. Marcella was born with a cleft palate, just like their older daughter, Sarobidy.  

Their experience with Sarobidy was emotionally and financially challenging. She had yet to receive all the care required for her cleft palate. Nonetheless, they were devoted to their children’s future and their motivation to find care for both children grew. 

Two months later, the family’s answer came in the form of a radio ad. Transforming Cleft’s local partner, Clinique et Maternité Fanantenana (CMF), could provide Comprehensive Cleft Care. 

The family lives in the remote Sava Region in Northern Madagascar. It would mean travelling for two days to the city of Mahajanga – but far closer than a trip to the capital, Antananarivo.  They were determined to get their daughters the care they deserved. 

They arrived to a team of dedicated professionals; ready to help. Sarobidy was healthy enough to receive surgery on her cleft palate, the first step in continuing her care journey. Marcella’s journey began with nutritional support, to ensure good health.  

Sarobidy, Marcella, and their mother, Laced.

This is just the beginning. Marcella and her family look forward to the rest of the journey for their daughters. The team will innovate ways to ensure the family continues care, despite distances, to achieve full rehabilitation. 

Laced shared, “Thanks to Transforming Cleft’s supporters, my two daughters will have a normal life. It has been a great experience for us, to witness our daughters experience such good care.”