A girl who was born with only half a face can now smile for the first time!
After an 11-hour operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital, brave Darina Shpengler has finally returned to Russia to be reunited with her very supportive and loving dad.
Her three-month treatment in the United Kingdom is only the first in many operations to come.
Proud mom, 47-year-old Elena, cried tears of joy and said: “She has learnt to laugh.”
Her loving dad, 49-year-old Yury, embraced their 6-year-old daughter and told her: “You are so beautiful.”
Darina was born with no chin or lips. Her rare condition limited her ability to speak and eat, and despite being 6, her weight is similar to that of a one year old.
Doctors in Russia recommended the Great Ormond Street as the only hospital in the world for the girl’s complex surgery, which cost £67,400 – paid by kindhearted donors.
Professor David Dunaway of the hospital’s Craniofacian Unit said: “We have just finished Darina’s operation.
“It’s been a very long day, I think we have been operating for almost 11 hours… I think we are very happy with the way things have gone.
“We made Darina a nice little jaw, it’s in a good position, and we introduced some more skin into her neck.”
Emotional Elena said after the surgery: “Darina spent three months with normal people.
“She has received an enormous amount of love from them, from all these people surrounded us these months and who took care of us.
“They didn’t speak a word in Russian but came just to give a hug and their support. This had changed our daughter completely – and she learned to laugh.”
Darina’s next surgery will see doctors construct her lip and upper jaw.
You’re such a brave and beautiful girl, Darina! Sending love to you and your family!
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Replaced!