One-year-old Stanly is a curious little boy from Guatemala who loves to play, explore, and laugh with his mom. Every new step he takes is a milestone—and an important reminder of how access to specialized care can change a child's future.

Stanly was born with frontoethmoidal encephalocele, a rare craniofacial condition in which brain tissue develops through an opening in the skull. Without treatment, the condition can lead to seizures, vision problems, and developmental delays.

Through the World Craniofacial Foundation's global network of surgeons and care teams, Stanly traveled to Bogotá, Colombia, where he underwent the first stage of treatment at San José Children's Hospital. His surgery marked an important milestone in a journey that will continue as he grows and receives the specialized care he needs.

Children like Stanly receive more than surgery. They are supported by a network of volunteer surgeons, hospitals, and compassionate partners working together to remove barriers to care. During his treatment, Ronald McDonald House provided a welcoming place for Stanly's mother to stay while KLS-Martin Cranio-Maxillofacial USA donated specialized surgical equipment to help make his procedure possible.

Today, Stanly has new opportunities to grow, learn, and experience the world around him. The World Craniofacial Foundation remains committed to connecting children and families to specialized craniofacial care—at no cost to the families we serve—and supporting them throughout every stage of their journey.

We look forward to sharing future updates as Stanly continues to grow, reach new milestones, and embrace the opportunities ahead.