At Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, healing is about far more than surgery.

This week, the hospital’s wards are filled with courage, creativity and hope as Smile Foundation hosts its latest Smile Week. The initiative is transforming young lives through reconstructive surgery, advanced burns treatment and emotional support.

Supported by Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels, this special week restores movement, confidence and joy for children facing difficult medical journeys.

Giving Children the Freedom to Move Again

Smile Week focuses on restoring mobility in every sense.

Nineteen children are receiving cleft lip and palate surgery, led by Prof. Chrysis Sofianos and Prof. Tim Christofides. These procedures improve breathing, feeding, speech development and long-term quality of life.

Another seven children are receiving specialist burns treatment under Dr Ronel Parkhurst. This includes advanced CO₂ laser therapy to soften scar tissue, release movement restrictions and improve flexibility.

Burn injuries often affect far more than the skin. They can limit movement, impact emotional wellbeing and reshape childhood experiences and quality of life.

Smile Foundation’s Umatter Programme continues to address this through burns prevention education in schools and communities, working alongside the Avela Foundation to reduce preventable childhood injuries across South Africa.

Moira Gerszt, Director at Smile Foundation, says restoring movement means restoring possibility.

“Burn injuries do not only affect the skin. They impact mobility, confidence, mental health, family dynamics and childhood itself. Through prevention education, psychosocial support and access to specialised care, we walk alongside children and families throughout every stage of healing.”

Trinity’s Story: A Brave Seven-Year-Old’s Journey

At just seven years old, Trinity represents the courage at the heart of Smile Week. She is a shy but incredibly strong little girl who sustained severe burn injuries at the age of five when a pot of hot water fell from the stove onto her legs, arms and buttocks.

After undergoing multiple procedures and skin grafts at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Trinity received her first laser treatment for burn scarring as part of this Smile Week programme. Her father, who has been a constant source of support throughout her journey, described the laser machine as a “miracle machine” and was overjoyed for her to finally receive the treatment.

Like many children receiving specialist burns care this week, her treatment is about more than physical recovery. It is about helping her reclaim freedom of movement, comfort and confidence. 

Her journey reflects the deeper purpose behind Smile Week. Every procedure offers a child the chance to move more freely, play more confidently and experience childhood without restriction.

For Trinity, this treatment marks another step toward healing – and a future filled with possibility.

Healing Beyond the Operating Theatre

Smile Week extends far beyond medical procedures.

Artists from August House are collaborating with children to create artwork for the upcoming Colours of Compassion Art Auction at Melrose Arch on 28 May.

Meanwhile, the Johannesburg Ballet Company performed live for patients, families and staff. For children recovering from burns, where movement can be restricted by scarring, the performance symbolises hope and the freedom they are working to regain.

The Power of Community Giving

This life-changing work is possible because of collective generosity.

Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels and its listeners helped fund the laser machine used for treatment and continue contributing to ongoing care costs. Their support proves how meaningful giving can create real change.

At Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital this week, every smile, movement and moment of courage reminds us that healing happens through compassion as much as medicine.