Operation Smile

Meet Peter Jan of the !

Before Peter Jan was born, his parents, Jan and Theresa, feared for their son's future, having learned that their son would have a cleft lip and cleft palate through an ultrasound. Jan had been born with but received a smile-transforming surgery when he was a young boy. Although Jan and Theresa knew help was available, the couple was still nervous for their not-yet-born son.

But, several months after Peter Jan was born with a , Theresa spotted an Operation Smile ad on TV announcing how our volunteers were setting up a surgical site in the nearby city of Silay. Knowing our volunteers could help Peter Jan, the family traveled to our surgical site and, to their immense , Peter Jan was scheduled for surgery.

Learn how YOU can help provide new for people like Peter at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

It's Friday! Today, we proud to bring you updates on the we recently provided in .

Operation Smile Ghana

When Andrews's mother, Valery, found out her son would be born with a condition during a pre-natal ultrasound, she began to research more about cleft conditions.

She learned was possible and found Operation Smile through her local municipality's website. She immediately phoned to make an appointment. At the appointment, Andrews was given a comprehensive health evaluation, and Valery was told about the next surgical program in a hospital just 20 minutes from her home.

After a successful surgery Valery and Andrews returned home where a big party was organized to celebrate Andrews’s new smile. Nine months after his lip surgery Andrews’ palate was repaired. Once his palate is healed, he was ready to start the next phase of his treatment: speech therapy.

Learn more about how YOU can help children like Andrews at OperationSmile.org.

All the in this week’s stories was made possible because of you!

Sixteen-year-old Maxime grew up shy and self-conscious about his and had very few friends. But, after learning of Operation Smile , Maxime took a 10-hour bus ride to our nearest surgical site and received wonderful news: He was eligible for a life-changing surgery.

When Stefani was born in , her mom and dad were scared and unsure of what to do to help their daughter, but arrived when an announcement for our surgical site in Choculteca played on their TV.

Three-year-old Danh of was a happy boy who was never bothered by his cleft lip, unless his classmates would call him names like “sut,” a hurtful word for someone with a cleft condition. But, since receiving surgery, Danh doesn’t worry about being bullied or teased anymore.

Learn how YOU can help provide new for children like Maxime, Stefani and Danh at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

As we close out the year, we're excited to share a few of our favorite photos from 2023.

In the new year, we will continue our mission to serve our patients with conditions by creating solutions to deliver safe and comprehensive in the countries we work.

From our family to yours, happy new year!

For 17 years, Faustina of was kept from attending school and discouraged from venturing out in public. Her parents feared she’d be the victim of emotional – and potentially physical – abuse.

“I have no friends, and I feel sad,” shared Faustina. “I know that if I have the surgery, I will make friends.”

Everything changed for Faustina when her neighbor took his child to an Operation Smile surgical program in Koforidua. Now after her surgery, for the first time in her life, Faustina is . Today she can be seen in the spotlight singing in front of her church. Hiding no more, she feels that with her new smile, her dreams have come true.

Learn how YOU can help provide new for people like Faustina at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

It's Friday! Today, we proud to bring you updates on the we recently provided in .

Operación Sonrisa Guatemala

For this , we're happy to share a few stories of how support from generous donors has created opportunities for a second chance at life.

Jao of the was a young man by the time he was healthy enough to have surgery to repair his cleft lip. Underweight due to his cleft lip making eating difficult along with severe childhood asthma, he understood what a surgery would entail, and as a result was fearful of venturing back into hospitals. But, wanting to experience what so many others his age experience, Jao pushed himself to do what he feared and went forward with getting scheduled for an operation. Now after his smile transforming surgery, Jao is a handsome young man who loves school, loves to play basketball with his friends and is no longer shy about going out or talking with girls his age. Looking back, he is so glad he overcame his fear of surgery and is grateful that the Operation Smile team helped him transform his smile forever.

Weighing just 3.96 pounds at birth, baby Axel of was born with a lip. Despite his cleft condition, Axel was fortunately still able to breastfeed and thrive. But Jael, Axel’s mother, was unsure what could be done about his cleft lip, a friend of Axel’s mother told her about the upcoming Operation Smile surgical program. Following successful surgery, the family returned home where everyone was happy to see Axel’s new smile.

Budensiane of was 65 years old when her cleft lip was repaired. A mother of three and a hard-working farmer, she was the only one she knew of who had a lip like hers. When she learned of Operation Smile, Budensiane didn’t hesitate to sign up, and now after her operation, she says that her changed appearance is tough to get used to because now she can use her whole mouth freely.

Learn how YOU can help create new for more children like Jao, Axel and Budensiane at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

Today's Did You Know? focuses on our work in Bolivia. Since 1999, Operation Smile Bolivia has provided health screenings and surgical care to over 6,000 people in Bolivia.

Learn more about our work at operationsmile.org.

At a 33-week prenatal ultrasound in , Giovanna received unexpected news —her second child, Eduardo, would be born with and .

Giovanna openly discussed her fears and concerns around Eduardo's condition with her family and friends, welcoming their and understanding. Thankfully, one of her friends shared what she knew about Operation Smile Peru and how our volunteers were opening a surgical site nearby.

Shortly after learning how our volunteers could help Eduardo, an appointment to meet our team was made, and not long after, Giovanna was told that her son was placed on the surgical schedule.

"After Eduardo's successful surgery, I can't thank Operation Smile enough for being there with us in this journey," said Giovanna after her son's operation. "With Operation Smile, I never felt alone. Thank you for everything."

Learn how YOU can help provide new for people like Eduardo at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

Since 2021, Pigeon USA has served as a partner in Operation Smile’s nutrition programs, including the program pictured here, held by Operation Smile China.

The most recent nutrition program was held last month in Lincang, Yunnan Province. The two-day training shared information about Operation Smile standards and tools, as well as feeding skills for children with conditions, with a team of qualified volunteers.

Thank you, Pigeon USA, for helping to transform the lives of patients with conditions!

It's Friday! Today, we proud to bring you updates on the we recently provided in , and .

Operation Smile Morocco-Official | Operación Sonrisa República Dominicana | Operación Sonrisa Honduras

While can transform a child’s life in as little as 45 minutes, many children with cleft conditions in the countries we work are unable to receive the surgery and they need because it’s too costly, too far away from their homes or not available at all.

Your gift can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness. Learn more at OperationSmile.org.

The infants featured in this week's received bright smiles and even brighter futures because of the our team receives from people like you.

Pablo of was just 15 days old when his mom, Iris, brought him in to meet our volunteers for the first time. A five-hour trip each way, Pablo's mom continued to bring him back every few weeks for the next six months for check-ups and counseling, and at seven months old, Pablo finally received his first surgery to repair his .

In , Chutima's mom and dad worked on their farm during the day while fears of a lifetime of ridicule for their daughter stayed on their minds. But, when Chutima's parents learned of Operation Smile through their community radio, they began to feel for their baby's future.

Patricia of found Operation Smile on Facebook and called the local office to learn how our volunteers could help her son, Patrick. Not long after that phone call, Patrick passed a comprehensive health evaluation and received his bright new .

Learn how YOU can help provide new for children like Chutima, Patrick and Pablo at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

We're excited to share that Kathy Magee, Operation Smile’s co-founder, president and CEO, has been selected for the Worth Media 2023 Worthy 100 list, alongside fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, actors, philanthropists and change-makers.

This list recognizes individuals who use their influence to generate a positive in the world. Since being founded by Kathy and Bill Magee in 1982, Operation Smile has provided care to more than 400,000 patients, increased equitable access to and helped to build capacity for essential through and in the countries we work.

Meet Jadaffah of Morocco!

Jadaffah first met our volunteers when he was only 2 days old. Our specialists provided his parents with feeding guidance along with a special bottle to help make feeding him easier. It wasn’t long after getting him to a healthy weight that his name was called for his first changing operation.

A year later, Jadaffah returned to have his palate repaired, and soon afterwards, he graduated from our speech therapy program! When he was in third grade, he shared that he loves everything about school, especially French.

“Merçi! I cannot thank you enough for all your help” says Jadaffah’s mother, Bouchra. “It was because of you that I knew what to do so that my son was ready for his surgery. Thank you for your professionalism.”

Learn how YOU can help provide new for children like Jadaffah at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

Home Page Every year, Operation Smile helps thousands more children living with cleft lip and cleft palate to better breathe, eat, speak and live lives of greater confidence.

For this weeks , we're celebrating our Operation Smile’s and COSECSA graduates, Dr. Zebiba Meka and Dr. Brhane Biedom! Last week both Dr. Meka and Dr. Biedom graduated as Fellows from the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa in Plastic Surgery. Their hard work and dedication have led to this milestone. We're proud that our collaboration with COSECSA has significantly expanded access to critical services.

For more information on our COSESCA partnership, visit https://www.operationsmile.org/23rd-cosecsa-scientific-conference

At Operation Smile, we believe every child should have access to safe and effective .

While one surgery can transform a child’s life in as little as 45 minutes, we are committed to providing comprehensive cleft care, including and beyond surgery, through care, , services, therapy and support.

Learn more at operationsmile.org.

“Bright New Futures” is the theme of this week’s , and each one was made possible by our volunteers and support from our generous donors.

When José was born, his doctor explained to his parents that he was a with Operation Smile and that more volunteers were on their way to help treat children with conditions like José. Three months later, Debora brought José in to meet our volunteer medical team where he received his bright new .

Kwankaew’s expectations were not enough to predict the she felt when the doctor brought her daughter, Pailin, from the operating room. Kwankaew of looked down at her baby’s bright new smile and was shocked at how such a short surgery could change the rest of her daughter’s life.

John of saved up for years to afford surgery to repair his condition but could never save enough to afford its high price. However, John was filled with when his brother told him about an Operation Smile poster he saw announcing that surgery to help people like John was available nearby and would be free.

Learn how YOU can help provide new for children like José, Pailin and John at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

Today's Did You Know? focuses on our work in Ethiopia. Since 2005, Operation Smile Ethiopia has provided health screening and surgical care to 7,000 people in Ethiopia.

Learn more at operationsmile.org.

At 52 years old, Oness of was teased about her lip her entire life, but always tried to not let the hurtful words worry her.

When she turned 48 years old, she learned her lip could be repaired with an operation, but she was too afraid to sign up for surgery. Over the years, a friend persuaded her to go to the next Operation Smile surgical program in Blantyre, Malawi.

When she finally arrived, Oness was surprised to meet and talk to so many others with cleft conditions. Thanks to meeting so many others like her, Oness’ fear of surgery disappeared. Returning home to her husband, three children and five grandchildren after her operation, Oness says she now is always .

Learn how YOU can help provide new for people like Oness at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

Operation Smile is thrilled to be part of the COSECSA 2023 conference in Ethiopia from December 6 to 8. We are committed to strengthening local healthcare capacity, fostering transformative changes for patients, healthcare professionals and communities. If you're attending , don't miss our Exhibit Booth and our side event.

For more information on our COSESCA partnership, visit https://www.operationsmile.org/23rd-cosecsa-scientific-conference

This holiday season, we are grateful for The Academy Of Dance & Gymnastics in Newport News, Virginia! All proceeds from their upcoming Christmas Extravaganza, on December 9 and 10 at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, will support Operation Smile. We sincerely appreciate their long-time support, helping us change lives like Victor’s.

For this week’s , we’d like you to meet Andy of Bolivia and sisters Payel and Krishna of India!

Andy’s mother was told by a close friend to sign up to meet with Operation Smile volunteers through Banco del Credito in . She was told that if she did, her transportation costs to reach the surgical site would be covered. After a free 18-hour bus ride, Andy’s lip was finally transformed. His mother was grateful for the support in getting him to the site.

Payel and her baby sister, Krishna, often got sick and had difficulty eating because of their conditions. But, when their parents learned Operation Smile was setting up a program nearby, they brought in 3-year-old Payel for an assessment. After receiving counseling that helped increase her weight, Payel received her -transforming surgery.

It wasn’t long before 9-month-old Krishna followed in her sister’s footsteps with an operation of her own. Now, both Payel and Krishna are and can eat without assistance.

Learn how YOU can help provide new for children like Andy, Payel and Krishna at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

Happy International Volunteer Day!

At Operation Smile, we believe volunteerism has the power to change lives and create lifelong friendships. Today, we celebrate our incredible who come together to transform the lives of people affected by conditions.

Learn more about our work at OperationSmile.org.

There were many obstacles for 4-year-old Ramata of to access cleft care.

The many bus trips searching for surgery for Ramata were long, expensive and dangerous. The local surgical care available was far more costly than Ramata’s mother, Mariana, could ever hope to afford. Most significantly, Ramata consistently faced other health issues that would have prevented her from safely undergoing surgery.

But, when a volunteer from Operation Smile arrived at Mariana’s village as part of an awareness campaign, Mariana couldn’t believe what she was hearing: Surgery for her daughter could be given to her for free.

After being assured that surgery and transportation was free, Mariana and Ramata set out on the 10-hour bus journey to the surgical site. It wasn’t long after arriving that Ramata finally received her new .

Learn how YOU can help provide new for people like Ramata at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

At Operation Smile, we believe every child should have access to safe and the care they need. That’s why we provide comprehensive care at no cost and are dedicated to ensuring that children worldwide, like Ziyalesi, receive the highest quality surgical care.

Learn how YOU can help provide new for children like Ziyalesi at Operationsmile.org

Not only do our volunteers strive to provide care for kids, but comfort to parents. This week's showcases how our work affects the entire family.

Now at 12 years old, Laura of has lived her entire life alongside Operation Smile, having had her first visit at two days old. Laura has gone on to receive five surgeries to correct her and and currently receives speech therapy, as well as orthodontia treatment.

After months of worrying about her son's future, Eduardo's mom, Giovana, was filled with when Eduardo was placed back in her arms after surgery with a bright new . "With Operation Smile, I don't feel alone," said Giovana after her baby's surgery. "Thank you for everything."

Nehum's mother, Maria of , was unsure how to care for her son's cleft condition. However, she began to feel when she learned Operation Smile Honduras could provide free surgery for Nehum. After the operation, Maria was delighted to see her son looking so and handsome.

Learn how YOU can help provide new for children like Laura, Eduardo and Nehum at https://bit.ly/3wJ1Mfs

This , double your impact at operationsmile.org to help children like Bipul.

Bipul's neighbors in India thought he was “polluted” because of his cleft lip. After connecting with Operation Smile India and receiving a life transforming surgery, Bipul is excited to have a new and beautiful smile, and the community now treats him warmly with acceptance.