Habtam is a beautiful, young woman from Ethiopia. If you could meet Habtam today, you would be struck by her bright, engaging smile and consider her a happy person. But Habtam’s smile reflects more than just a sweet and joyful disposition. Her smile represents the physical and spiritual healing she found at CURE Ethiopia Children’s Hospital.

Growing up, Habtam spent her childhood ashamed of herself because she was born with a cleft lip. She was frequently insulted and shunned by her peers because of it and was even considered unwelcome in many homes because of her appearance. Because of her surgery at CURE Ethiopia Children’s Hospital, Habtam now holds her head high.

Habtam was CURE Ethiopia’s first patient. Since opening, the hospital has touched the lives of thousands of other patients just like Habtam.