When we first met Vaviroa and Nambina on our medical mission to Tamatave, Madagascar, the 6- and 2-year-old sisters shyly hid behind their parents and barely said a word. Years of bullying taught these young girls that the world didn’t want to see their smiles. 

The girls’ parents knew that because both of their daughters were born with cleft conditions, they would suffer deeply their entire lives — experiencing social ostracism, bullying, even physical pain — but surgery was out of the question. They had never been able to take their daughters to see a doctor, let alone afford two surgeries. 

But that all changed this past fall, when Vaviroa and Nambina both received surgeries to fix their cleft conditions — thanks to generous people like you. 

As we prepare to go back to Madagascar this week, we hope you’ll take a moment to watch the inspiring video below about these brave sisters and their incredible journey.