Seven-year-old Liyana Fazana, from Khayelitsha, is one of the eight children who will be undergoing corrective surgeries as part of Smile Week. Picture: supplied.
Eight children are set to undergo corrective surgery at Tygerberg Hospital as part of Smile Week from Monday October 28 to Friday November 1.
This is an annual event held by the hospital and two charities, the Smile Foundation and BigShoes Foundation,where children undergo corrective surgeries.
Seven-year-old Liyana Fazana, from Khayelitsha, is one of the eight children who will be having the procedures, according to Toni Jabour, the Smile Foundation spokesperson.
“She was born with craniosynostosis, a condition affecting both brain and skull development. If untreated, it can lead to developmental delays, learning and speech issues, visual disturbances, and chronic headaches,” Ms Jabour said.
She said Liyana's surgery would be performed by Professor Frank Graewe, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for his expertise in advanced surgical techniques.
Professor Graewe’s work focuses on craniofacial surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, as well as aesthetic surgery.
Professor Robert Mann, a paediatric plastic surgeon from the University of Michigan, will also take part in the surgeries.
Smile Foundation CEO Tarri Parfitt, said: “We would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the remarkable surgeons, medical professionals, and hospital staff at Tygerberg Hospital who are selflessly dedicating their time and expertise to give these children the critical surgery they need.”
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