How will you celebrate your mom (or her memory) this Mother’s Day?
If she’s like most mothers, the things that mean the most to her aren’t ‘things’.
They’re hopes and dreams and unconditional love. Not only for her own children – but for all kids. Seeing a child – any child – smiling and happy gladdens her heart.
That’s why making a donation to Operation Smile in her name is such a meaningful Mother’s Day gift.
We’ll send her an e-card letting her know of your generous gesture. And she’ll have the joy of knowing that a child born with a cleft will get a brand new smile, thanks to you both.
Unlike flowers or chocolates, your gift will last long after Mother’s Day is over. It changes a child’s life forever. And gives another mom – one who can’t afford expensive surgery or private health care – hope of a better life for her child.
One such mom is Promise Mathebula. When her son was born with a cleft lip and palate, she knew exactly what to do – and where to go for help. Because she was born with the same condition herself.
She was determined little Mpelo wouldn’t grow up as she had – abandoned by her own mother … ridiculed, bullied and rejected by her neighbours. She lost count of the times she railed against the way she looked. The times she cried herself to sleep asking, “Why am I like this?”
It was years before Promise finally got the surgery she so desperately needed at one of Operation Smile’s earliest surgical programmes.
“Afterwards, I stated to laugh,” she says. “And talk … because I could finally pronounce words properly.”
Promise was determined to do whatever it took to make sure her son would talk properly from the beginning.
In May 2024, when he was 5-months old, she brought Mpelo to our surgical programme at the Rob Ferreira Hospital and he had surgery to correct his cleft lip. A year later, they returned for cleft palate surgery.
“I am very happy because he will be able to go to school,” said Promise. “No bullying. I think my son is going to do well at school.”
Hopes and dreams for their children is what matters most to mothers.
If you’ve been blessed with the best, please think about honouring your mom by paying her loving care forward.
Make a donation now to help another child get free, world-class surgery through Operation Smile.
And get ready to enjoy all the ‘feels’ of the most meaningful Mother’s Day you’ve ever experienced. ❤️
