Real-Life Stories

These stories — from patients, healthcare providers, students and more — are made possible through the generous support from donors like you.

Featured Stories

Featured Story

We Build Hope: Celebrating Scars as Symbols of Resilience and Strength

Through inspiring stories of care and transformation, Operation Smile’s new brand campaign shows how scars are badges of hope — symbols of courage, strength and the possibilities that come when safe surgical care is within reach.

Help Build Hope

Recent Stories

Read the latest stories from Operation Smile.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Sebastian’s Long Road to Happiness

Even before Sebastian was born, his mother, María, began to search for organizations near their home in Mexico that could treat his cleft condition. Operation Smile provided the hope and care they were looking for.

A healthcare provider looks through a lens.

Africa

Hope on the Horizon: African Surgeons Reimagining the Future of Healthcare

Expanding access to quality healthcare requires skilled providers, strong systems and sustained investment. Medical leaders from Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa share why they remain hopeful about Africa’s ability to meet these challenges and drive lasting change.

We Build Hope

Surgeons at work during a program in Peru.

Latin America and the Caribbean

The Lancet Features Operation Smile: Local Partnerships in Peru Driving Lasting Change

For too many families, barriers like distance and cost prevent them from accessing the safe surgical care they need. We partner with local leaders and health systems to break down these barriers, building a future where every person can access the care they deserve.

Africa

Meet Mama Africa: A Nurse Whose Compassionate Leadership Has Shaped Generations of Care

For 30 years, Florence Mangula has been a caring and calming presence for young surgical patients and their families. And she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Ihan smiles for the camera with his mother, Carla.

Africa

In Honor of Mother’s Day: 5 Women Who Inspire Us Through Hope and Determination

This Mother’s Day, we’re proud to highlight some of the moms who carry hope forward — seeking care, supporting their children and shaping brighter futures for their families and communities.

We Build Hope

Honduras

Real-Life Stories

Featured Stories

We Build Hope: Celebrating Scars as Symbols of Resilience and Strength

Recent Stories

Sebastian’s Long Road to Happiness

Hope on the Horizon: African Surgeons Reimagining the Future of Healthcare

The Lancet Features Operation Smile: Local Partnerships in Peru Driving Lasting Change

Meet Mama Africa: A Nurse Whose Compassionate Leadership Has Shaped Generations of Care

In Honor of Mother’s Day: 5 Women Who Inspire Us Through Hope and Determination

Two Scars, One Story That Bonds Them Both

The Power of Speech Therapy: Meet a Local Leader Transforming Cleft Care in Peru

Transcending Borders for Care: Jonathan’s Story

Fetiya Awol, M.D., on Leading Change and Expanding Care in Ethiopia

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