Nicaraguan teen gets surgery that makes her smile

By Brianne Binelli, online content manager, Canada

Watch Maria’s story, and see how a Toronto surgeon volunteered his time to fix complications she had with her cleft palate

When Dr. Paul Roberts met Maria, he knew she had a problem he couldn’t ignore.

The honorary advisor on Christian Children’s Fund of Canada’s Board of Directors knows it isn’t our mission to provide surgeries, but he wanted to help the Nicaraguan teen fix a complication with her cleft palate.

Dr. Jeffrey Fialkov, chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, volunteered his time to perform the surgery. Although Maria had an operation as a child to repair her cleft palate, a hole had developed through the repair. It was causing food and fluids to be regurgitated through her nose.

Of course, there were other challenges: “I was always concerned about what other people would think about me, and some people asked what happened to me,” recalls Maria in the video. “I hope no one asks me that again.”

Watch Maria’s latest medical journey. See how the operation has changed her outlook.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

 

About Inspiring Stories

May 2025

Canada’s Opportunity to Lead: Education as a Path ...

As the G7 Summit approaches, Children Believe CEO Fred Witteveen calls on Canada to lead the world in supporting 12 years of quality education for all children—because education is key to global peace and prosperity.

May 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

A new government program in Ghana is providing free sanitary pads to help girls stay in school. Learn how Children Believe is supporting this initiative to break down barriers and fight period poverty.

May 2025

From Despair to a New Dawn Varalakshmi’s Story of ...

A moving story of resilience—learn how Varalakshmi overcame poverty, loss and stigma to build a better life for her children with the support of Children Believe and its local partner in India.