Mia’s light still shines bright

A determined little girl from Freeway Park underwent a critical fat grafting operation in 2021 to restore facial structure that many take for granted.

Born with a craniofacial deformity, Mia Nordeje was missing cheekbones and the bone structure beneath her eyes – a rare condition that left her eyes vulnerable and her face without natural support.

When she was six years old, Mia faced the risk of her lower eyelids turning inside out, potentially exposing her eyes to serious damage.

She needed urgent intervention – and thanks to community-driven fundraising efforts, Mia was able to undergo the life-changing surgery performed by Professor Tim Christofides.

Now, at 10, Mia is thriving.

According to her mother, Dessri Nordeje, Mia is doing very well following the fat grafting operation.

“She had no complications, and the area where they grafted the fat remained stable. She has no pain, no discomfort, and is active in her daily activities.”

While some volume and natural shape have been lost over time, the surgery successfully improved facial symmetry and soft tissue contour. Mia will probably require more fat-grafting procedures in the coming years to prepare for a bone prosthesis, which is scheduled for when she turns 16.

The family will consult again with Christofides to plan the next steps.

“Mia’s confidence and spirit have flourished since the operation. She has a personality five times bigger than her small frame and approaches life with determination and joy.

“She is comfortable in her skin and doesn’t let challenges affect her positive outlook. The procedure has supported her in maintaining this confidence and allowed her to participate in activities without being self-conscious.”

Also Read: Mia on her way to recovery following operation

Besides her craniofacial condition, Mia was born with a hearing problem. She previously received a bone bridge implant and underwent hearing repair surgery in her left ear, which initially improved her hearing. Unfortunately, a severe ear infection later caused her to lose hearing in that ear again. She now uses bilateral hearing aids.

“Mia continues to thrive. She manages her hearing loss with confidence and participates fully in school and daily life.

“Managing her hearing aids, especially in noisy environments, is not without effort. Still, Mia remains active, enjoys sports, and has recently started singing as well.”

She excelled at the recent Legends Are Made Season Three competition held at Woodlands International College.

Progress in the classroom and beyond
Academically, Mia is doing well. “She’s engaged in her learning and actively participates in class. She sometimes needs to sit closer to the teacher to hear better, but this has helped her stay focused and keep up with her peers,” the mother added.

Socially, Mia is thriving. “She has a strong, outgoing personality and easily makes friends. Her hearing aids don’t hold her back. She participates fully in group activities, sports, and singing. Her friends are aware of her hearing devices and accept them, which helps her feel included.”

Mia’s journey has shaped the Nordeje family.

“We learnt resilience, gratitude, and to celebrate small victories. Managing her medical needs and surgeries brought us closer to each other. It taught us how to adapt and advocate confidently for her.”

The family continues to see Mia’s ENT, Dr Mol, and her audiologist, Lisa Calligaro.

Thank you to the community
“The community’s support and fundraisers have played a huge role in Mia’s long-term care,” said Dessri.

“Beyond financial assistance, the emotional encouragement gave us strength and a sense of belonging. Knowing people cared about Mia’s well-being made the journey easier.

“We thank everyone in the community, our family, friends, Darkness to Light, and John Vorster High School in Nigel for their incredible support.

“Your kindness has made a difference in Mia’s journey. You helped her grow with confidence and joy, and we are grateful for your support.

“Thank you for walking this road with us.”

Also Read: Support fund-raiser for little Mia