Tina’s Story

Physically born with a cleft lip and palate, my early life felt like a journey of “hopelessness.” But then, the gifted hands of Prof. Peter Donkor and Dr. Solomon Obiri Yeboah initiated my healing process. These dedicated surgeons have been with me since my first surgery at just three months old, guiding me through more procedures toward wholeness.

It was during my final surgical procedure in 2017 that I got introduced to Smile Train. Their remarkable benevolence, particularly their act of covering the entire cost of my surgery, was deeply moving. Thanks to their support, I was able to recover from the long hiatus in my education and eventually gain admission to KNUST, albeit with regular check-ups. My subsequent exploration of the organization online and a meeting with one of their team members in 2020 further illuminated their inspiring vision and mission. My gratitude grew as I discovered the breadth of their global humanitarian efforts. Then, in August 2023, Smile Train once again came through for me by funding my orthodontic treatment, including braces to properly align my teeth.

Indeed, Smile Train unequivocally embodies its motto: “Changing the world one smile at a time.” This ethos is actualized in Ghana through their solid partnership with the Ghana Cleft Foundation (GCF). Without this collaboration, the profound transformation I have experienced in my life would simply not have been possible. Today, as a graduate of KNUST, I am honored to serve full-time at GCF, dedicating my efforts to advance the extraordinary mission born from this vital partnership with Smile Train.

As Chuck Palahniuk once said, “The goal isn’t to live forever, but to create something that will.” Smile Train has truly created something eternal: a lasting smile. The organization has steadfastly supported me and countless others, ensuring that no child or individual born with a cleft condition ever feels isolated or forgotten. Their commitment to transforming lives through expert medical care and emotional support is very commendable. Today, I stand brimming with confidence, my heart swelling with profound gratitude, and my gaze fixed on a future replete with boundless possibilities — all fundamentally shaped by their immense contribution. Thank you for empowering me to navigate life with a smile!

Now, to be afforded the privilege of helping others experience this very same joy, I enthusiastically declare: Together, let us change the world, one smile at a time.

~ Ernestina Obour-Tabi | Former Cleft Patient