World renowned doctors to perform 50 life-changing surgeries in Armenia this week
Cafesjian Family Foundation takes the lead in organizing Smile Network mission to Armenia by Paul Chaderjian Published: Tuesday October 07, 2008 Yerevan - Every morning, four-year-old Gayane cries and begs not to be taken to school. She covers her mouth so that people don't see her lips. But they do, and they often react. Gayane was born with a cleft lip - a genetic defect also known as cheiloschisis. In Armenia, they still call it a "harelip," a pejorative other cultures and nations have already retired from their languages. No matter what it's called or the age in which we live, people on the streets here often stare at Gayane. Kids at school don't want to be around her. Some classmates make snide remarks. Others tease and bully her. Some adults here think of the split in her lip as a curse or a sign that she is mentally disabled. Unfortunately, Gayane's story is not unique; but this weekend, Gayane tortured life will change forever thanks to...