Fatima is all smiles these days.

Now five years old, she’s attending pre-elementary school—proudly dressed in her uniform and embracing moments that feel wonderfully ordinary. For those who have followed her journey, this is a meaningful update.

Just a few years ago, Fatima’s path looked very different.

A Journey Begins

Fatima was born in Guatemala with Crouzon syndrome, a complex craniofacial condition that required highly specialized care.

Through WCF’s global network and in partnership with World Pediatric Project, her family was connected with the team at Hospital Infantil Universitario de San José (Children’s Hospital) in Bogotá, Colombia.

There, under the care of Bogotá WCF Medical Director Dr. Rolando Prada, Fatima began a treatment journey designed to support her growth and development.

This is what WCF’s global network is designed to do: connect children and families with the specialized expertise they need while helping remove barriers to care.

What Her Journey Has Looked Like So Far

April 2023 – Initial Surgery

Fatima underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her brainstem, along with a posterior vault distraction to create additional space for growth and development.

November 2023 – Second Surgery

She later returned to Bogotá for an anterior cranial vault remodeling procedure to further support her development.

Throughout the process, Fatima received care at no cost to her family.

Where She Is Today

Today, that care is showing up in new ways.

In the classroom.

In time spent with friends.

In the confidence behind her smile.

Her journey is still ongoing, with more steps ahead. But her progress reflects what is possible when expertise, access, and partnership come together around one child.

Fatima’s story continues.

And today, she is moving forward—one step, one milestone, and one smile at a time.