Dr. Lateefa Alkharafi
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
Ministry of Health – Kuwait
Helping patients with facial differences is not just about donating money, it is much more than that. You can help by donating your time and services, or by just being nice and inclusive.
You can donate - or even better - start a fundraiser, share your fundraising efforts on the social media, or organize an event. There are so many great global charities that receive donations including but not limited to the following:
- Alamal Surgical Team – Shaikh Abdullah Alnoori Charity Society
- Transforming Faces Worldwide
- About Face
- Facing the World
- Project Harar
- Interplast
- Operation Smile
- Smile Network International
- Alliance for Smiles
You can also help with your ability to speak multiple languages; for example, you can help in translating the content of this website to a language you speak; for example, Hindu, Tagalog, Persian… etc. You can also offer transportation for the parents in need or those who do not own a car.
Although we are not collecting cash donations, if you are part of a company that might benefit our kids, you can donate little things like small toys, coloring books, or gift cards; or bigger things like medical devices such as scanners, surgical grade tapes... etc.
If you are a photographer, donate your services, such as taking beautiful photos of our patients and giving them memories they will cherish forever. Maybe offer a tired mom a “day at a spa” retreat to give her the push she needs to go on her journey of taking care of a baby with facial differences. There are no limits to how you can help patients and their families, and they will certainly appreciate it!
If you are an adult with craniofacial differences, maybe you can start a “meetup” event and group. This would involve organizing events or gatherings for adults born with a cleft in Kuwait or the region. They are informal gatherings that can be in any form that suits you, just as long as it brings adults together and gives everyone the chance to form a supportive local community.
Get in touch for more information.
If you are a parent/ caregiver of a patient with oral clefts, you can be the main point of contact for the parents of the children affected by cleft, including those with unborn children (it can be diagnosed during their 5th month ultrasound). Although it is not an advisory or counselling role, this role is crucial in providing non-medical information and emotional support. They would appreciate a ‘good listener’ and very often feel less anxious when listening to you sharing your personal experience with cleft. This is mainly done using our forums and email, or occasionally in person. You can also inform families about other available resources and services.
If you are a health care provider and would like to be involved in missions, research, or the cleft care, contact us here.
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