Pepsi project helps cleft- palate sufferers smile again
Having a cleft lip or cleft palate is a very distressing condition for many children. Sufferers can have issues with their feeding, speech and hearing. Many are dogged with frequent ear infections. Almost all suffer from low self-esteem. Reconstructive surgery is not a financially viable option for most low-income families. But a new project from Pepsi-Cola (Thai), “Every Child Deserves A Happy Smile”, aims to bring smiles back to these children’s faces. Pepsi-Cola (Thai) has launched the merchandise fundraising project mainly to support Operation Smile Thailand, a non-profit organisation that offers children free surgery to repair cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. Designed by popular young illustrator Seatapron “Painterbell” Korwanichakul, the special collection of merchandise comprises T-shirts (360 baht), canvas bags (320 baht) and pouches (220 baht). All merchandise is available online through the foundation’s official Line account (Line ID @ operationsmileth) from today onward, while stock lasts. All proceeds go to the foundation, without deductions for expenses. According to statistics, each year approximately 2,000 Thai babies are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Children with facial deformities who do not receive reconstructive surgery often have trouble breathing, drinking, eating or speaking. As a result, many suffer from malnutrition as well as other medical and psychological problems. The good news is that this can be averted in as little as 60min; a single surgery can transform a child’s life forever. Children who receive reconstructive surgery find themselves filled with renewed hope and confidence. They don’t just enjoy better health but an increased sense of self-worth. A confident smile can open doors, both on a professional and personal front later in life.