Thirupathi Rao and his wife were a happily married couple. They settled in a small village in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh in India. As agricultural laborers and whenever they manage to get work, they earn less than $2.00 (Rs. 81) per day.

Their first child was a healthy boy. But when Mrs. Rao gave birth to her second child, the family was shocked to see that the baby girl had a facial deformity. They thought it was a curse from the gods and they were so despondent that they wanted to abandon the child.

Fortunately, the mother learned about the Smile Train cleft project through other members of her village who also had a child born with a cleft. The baby girl was taken to Vijetha Hospital at Vijayawada and was examined by the chief surgeon and the director of the project Dr. P.M.C. Naidu.

After the surgery Bhavani’s family was thrilled to see her with a normal looking lip and their joy could not be translated into words. They no longer feel cursed, but rejoice when they see their beautiful baby girl smile.