After an intensive first day of surgery, this morning was a time for reflection and observation. The medical team gathered to evaluate the patients who were operated on yesterday. How did the night go? What does the initial recovery look like? These questions were central as the team carefully discussed progress.

 

Before the patients were taken to the operating room, they were checked by pediatricians to ensure their health. This meticulous process ensures that everything runs like a well-oiled machine.

A poignant moment occurred with Ahmid, an eight-month-old baby. Accompanied by Agnes and Stacey, his mother brought him to the operating room. The moment she handed her son over to Stacey and walked back with Agnes was heart-wrenching. She burst into tears, driven by fear and sorrow. She had previously lost a child during surgery, and the fear of it happening again was immense. Despite her fears, she knew that Ahmid was in good hands and that the procedure for his cleft lip was necessary. Agnes sensed this, empathized with her, and provided comfort and reassurance.

Ahmid was operated on without complications by George, and a few hours later, he was ‘rested’ in the recovery room. When Ahmid was reunited with his mother, it was a touching reunion. Mother and son were together again, ready to face the future with a smile.

Then there was Ahmed Ruman, who suffers from anxiety attacks. He did not want to leave his mother and clung to her tightly. Ruben managed to comfort Ahmed and calm him down after he let go of his mother. After a brief struggle, he laid his head down and surrendered to be operated on. He, too, managed to achieve a beautiful smile.

The atmosphere within the team is growing through these moments. The impact of our work is becoming visible and tangible, which makes us happy and fulfilled. The bonds we create with the patients and their families, and the positive changes we bring about, give us the energy and motivation to continue. This is why we do what we do.

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