Sebastian’s Story

Sebastian and his family have been part of the GSF family for more than a decade.  In 2008, they traveled for several hours to meet the volunteer team in Guayaquil. Even though they had missed the screening day due to the distance, we were able to make time to see this new patient, only 3 months old at the time.

That year, Sebastian underwent a surgical procedure to repair his cleft lip. Every year since then, Sebastian and his family have returned for follow-up care, including a surgical repair for his cleft palate and a bone grafting procedure, as well as dental services and speech therapy evaluations.  Long-term care across the full range of specialties involved in treating cleft has given Sebastian the best outcome possible.

He and his family are thankful for the help they have received and they generously give back whenever they can. When an earthquake devastated parts of Ecuador in April 2016, Sebastian and his dad helped distribute food and water. In 2020, Sebastian volunteered during the GSF mission and helped the team by creating name bands for all our patients.