One month old Maria Avila (being held by her mom) was born with a very severe cleft palate. It is so severe that Dra Mariela had to make a special plate to fit in the mouth until she is old enough for the surgery to repair the palate.
3 month old Adrian(in his surgery cap) had his cleft lip repaired this past week so he can grow up smiling and speaking like his peers.
Lastly, 5 month old Johanna had the growth on her cute little ear repaired.
All the parents of these precious children wish they could personnaly thank all our generous donors who made these three surgeries possible.
Dr Pablo, as he always does, waived his surgical fees and Hospital del Rio provided HKIE with a substantial discount.

This is 10 year old Xavier. 2 years ago he and his mother (thanks to Rocio of CETAP LUCY) approached us asking for help. At that time he was told he was going blind and needed to learn braile. We were able to help with immediate eye surgery.
Now, after two years of check ups, eye drops, and several pairs of glasses, we have been informed that his eyesight has actually improved since his last visit. His mom could not be happier!
Here is Xavier with his cool new, flexibe green frames.
Thanks to our supportrs and Dr. Miotto of Exilaser, this darling young man can continue his studies.

Helping Kids in Ecuador (HKIE)

Shown is little Maria, 3 mos old whose cleft lip was repaired las week by Dr Pablo Javier Salamea Molina. Even moments after surgery it's obvious she will have a beautiful smile!

​HKIE's other patient last week was Jonathan. About 6 months ago Dr. Pablo repaired his cleft lip. This time little Jonathan had his palate repaired. We met with both mom and dad who are so happy for the support of HKIE, Dr Pablo and Hospital del Rio.

In January Helping Kids in Ecuador accompanied Fundacion Rostros Felices Cuenca and Guayaquil on a medical mission to Ibarra...just north of Quito.
During this mission 16 children received medical attention for cleft lips and palates, webbed fingers, rhinoplastys, ear repair and scar repair.
​Thanks you HKIE supporters!

This is baby Maria, one month old, who was born with a severe cleft palate. It is so severe that Dra Mariela Siguencia of Hospital del Rio needed to make a special prosthetic for little Maria's mouth. Without it she would have had great difficulty eating and breathing. This prosthetic will help her function until she can have her surgery at 1 1/2 years.
Her parents thank all the HKIE supporters and Dra Mariela for helping their child.

This is four month old Guadalupe, shown here with her mother, grandmother and Dr. Pablo. Guadalupe was born with a cleft lip and Dr Pablo performed the surgery this past Thursday at Hospital Del Rio.
Thanks to our very loyal HKIE donors, Dr Pablo and Hospital Del Rio, this little baby will approach life with a beautiful smile. The family is very grateful to HKIE and our supporters.