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We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Beast Philanthropy!
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Stories You Make Possible

Stories You Make Possible

Explore Operation Smile stories from around the world highlighting the courage of patients and their families, the dedication of our volunteers and staff, and the generosity of supporters like you.

Malawi
In a Kamuzu Central Hospital operating room, cleft surgeon Dr. Wone Banda, center, with surgical scrub personnel Lucy Dodoli and pre- and post-operative nurse Grace Chirwa perform surgery during the 2022 Malawi Women in Medicine program.

Leading the Way: Q&A with Dr. Wone Banda

With a population of around 20 million people, Malawi currently has one female certified plastic surgeon serving patients. Her name is Dr. Wone Banda.
Highlighting the Operation Smile and Beast Philanthropy Partnership

Highlighting Our Partnership with Beast Philanthropy

We are proud to highlight our recent partnership with Beast Philanthropy.
Peru
Leao smiles for the camera.

Leao's Odyssey

In Pucallpa, in eastern Peru, Gabriela reflected on what would await her in Lima with her son, Leao. They had just finished a five-day boat trip from Iquitos, and there was still another day by bus to the capital.
South Africa

A Stranger’s Kindness

Ephraim was filling gas tanks at work when the kindness of an unnamed gentleman changed his life.
Global
Four-year-old Clarra and 8-year-old Vololoniana hug teddy bears in child life during an Operation Smile surgical program in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Operation Smile’s “Whole-Person Approach” with Priti Desai and Donna Trentel

The goal of psychosocial care extends far beyond ensuring a child is prepared for surgery. Forming a positive association with medical environments at a young age will have lasting effects on a child’s mental, emotional and physical development.
Guatemala
Brandon smiles while holding his before photo.

Fight for Happiness

"You have to fight so that your children can be happy." That's the advice Brandon's grandmother has for all mothers and fathers who have children born with cleft.
United States
Photo: Jasmin Shah.

Voices From the Front Line: Q&A with Dentist Dr. Dane Hoang

In celebration of Dental Hygiene Month, this pediatric dentist and longtime volunteer shares how she found the strength to continue caring for her patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global
Bryan Zimmerman meets with patients.

Celebrating World Patient Safety Day

We’re proud to join with the World Health Organization (WHO) and members of the healthcare community in celebrating World Patient Safety Day on September 17. According to WHO, this commemorative day “calls for global solidarity and concerted action by all countries and international partners to improve patient safety.” 
Paraguay
Lucas, After

The Change in Lucas

Vivi watched as the doctor frowned and immediately understood that there was something wrong with her baby. She was in the middle of an ultrasound, and, when she was informed that her son would be born with a cleft condition, she wasn't entirely surprised.

Make Your Gift

Appeal

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.