Hearing Clearly: Gebrela’s Story with Cleft

Nurit was relieved when her daughter, 1.5 year old Gebrela, made it successfully through her third surgical treatment at CURE Ethiopia, Transforming Cleft’s local partner.

The procedure was shorter and less intimidating than her daughter’s cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. By nearly eliminating the chance of cleft-connected hearing loss, Nurit knew it was worth it.

With ear surgery complete, Gebrela’s hearing will now regularly be monitored by the team at CURE. As she continues Comprehensive Cleft Care, she will participate in speech therapy, which also relies on well-functioning hearing, to help her to speak confidently and clearly in preparation for school.

Reflecting on Gebrela’s birth, Nurit explained “I had never seen anyone with cleft before, so seeing my daughter’s cleft lip and palate overwhelmed me”. At that moment, her midwife helped her understand that treatment was possible. Now, she feels joy seeing her daughter thrive.

Transforming Cleft partners with the local CURE Ethiopia team to sustain Comprehensive Cleft Care.

Journeymakers is a community of monthly givers – individuals like you – who know that cleft care is a process and full rehabilitation is possible with the backing of a skilled, local team.

Learn more about Journeymakers here.