When Adline was diagnosed with Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma (JOF), a rare tumor that was growing rapidly in her jaw, her future became uncertain.

Living in Coimbatore, India, her family faced an overwhelming challenge. The tumor was expanding so quickly that it threatened to block her airway, making specialized surgical care urgently needed. Through the World Craniofacial Foundation's global network of craniofacial surgeons, Adline was connected with the expert team who could give her that chance.

In May 2023, Dr. S.M. Balaji and his team at Balaji Dental, Craniofacial Hospital & Research Institute performed the complex surgery to remove the tumor and reconstruct her jaw. To protect her airway throughout the procedure, they first performed a tracheostomy before carefully removing the tumor. Using a titanium reconstruction plate and bone grafts, the team rebuilt her jaw to restore both function and stability.

Adline's recovery began almost immediately. Within three weeks, she had progressed from tube feeding to eating soft foods as her strength steadily returned.

Four months later, the transformation was remarkable.

Today, Adline is back home with her family enjoying the simple moments every child deserves. She rides her bicycle, laughs easily, and continues to heal. Follow-up examinations have shown healthy bone growth and encouraging progress, giving her family confidence as she continues her journey.

Like many children served by the World Craniofacial Foundation, Adline's care does not end with a single operation. Ongoing follow-up and, in some cases, additional procedures help ensure children continue to grow, develop, and thrive.

Every child's story begins with access to the right care at the right time. Through the generosity of donors and the dedication of our volunteer surgical partners around the world, children like Adline receive specialized craniofacial treatment that would otherwise be out of reach.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to face the future with hope.