I’m happy to say that the Kenyan government has granted Saline a medical visa and passport to come to here for surgery. The Smile Rescue Fund for Kids supplied all financial records and legal documents necessary to the Kenyan consulate. This was our last major obstacle. I am in the process of buying airline tickets for Saline and her adult tutor, Duncan. We owe a lot of gratitude to Esther, our Kenyan contact, for helping our cause.
This has not been an easy road for Saline. As you may know, last winter we raised enough money to fund a plastic surgery team in Nairobi to perform the procedure. Unfortunately, the surgery was not successful. This was a devastating disappointment for Saline, her family and all of her supporters back here at home. After that, the Smile Rescue Fund did not give up on Saline but renewed its efforts to bring her here. We anticipate a series of complex surgeries over the course of three to six months with no guarantee of success. However, we are very optimistic and very grateful to Dr. Dagum, his colleagues and Stony Brook University Hospital for donating their services to help Saline. This will be her best opportunity for a successful result. See article in Times Beacon Record Newspaper.
I am also very grateful to all of our wonderful supporters and fundraisers for their efforts in making Saline’s dream of living a normal life a possibility.
Based on Dr. Dagum’s and the hospital’s schedule, arrangements are being made to bring Saline and Duncan here at the end of May.
At this time, we are looking for volunteers to house Saline and Duncan for part, or all, of their stay.
Please forward this story to your facebook friends. Hopefully with your help we will be able to help more children like Saline. Without us, they have no hope.
Leon
