Children smiling

KEVIN AND MARY'S STORY

Meet Kevin and Mary

A problem halved is a problem shared

At first glance, Kevin and Mary’s friendship might seem an unlikely one. But look closer and you’ll discover that theirs is a relationship that’s built on empathy, mutual respect and shared experience. 

The two met in November 2018, when Smile Train supported their stay at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, for a week of intensive speech therapy. 

And despite the 2 year age gap between them, Kevin and Mary were quick to bond and help one another make incredible progress in their treatment. 

A happy child reading

Bringing patients together

After cleft surgery, it’s important for patients to undergo speech therapy to help overcome any residual communication problems. But in remote areas it’s often not  practical – or even possible – for people to attend regular sessions. 

With Haleon’s support, Smile Train is able to fund additional speech therapy camps for patients who are unable to travel to and from the partner hospital for ongoing therapy.

“Kevin and Mary’s story demonstrates the brilliance and strength of the patients that Haleon and Smile Train support”

Kevin and Mary’s story demonstrates the brilliance and strength of the patients that Haleon and Smile Train support. But also the ingenuity of local partners in bringing patients together to offer a truly holistic approach to care – supporting surgery and speech therapy, as well as building self-esteem and social skills.