Patient Stories
Lives transformed in as little as 45 minutes.
Jean
Jean and his family live quite a distance from the main road from Kigali, so his father guided us for several hours along a very rocky trail until we reached their village. As soon as I introduced myself and extended my hand for a quick shake, Jean opened up his arms and gave me a huge hug.
Jean and his family live quite a distance from the main road from Kigali, so his father guided us for several hours along a very rocky trail until we reached their village. As soon as I introduced myself and extended my hand for a quick shake, Jean opened up his arms and gave me a huge hug.
Rafaela
Imagine bacteria slowly ravaging your baby's face. When Rafaela Pena Mateo was only 8 months old, a bacteria called noma destroyed her nose and palate.
Imagine bacteria slowly ravaging your baby's face. When Rafaela Pena Mateo was only 8 months old, a bacteria called noma destroyed her nose and palate.
Yitci
Beautiful 3-year-old Yitci immediately caught our eye on screening day during the recent medical mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Beautiful 3-year-old Yitci immediately caught our eye on screening day during the recent medical mission in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Luis Oscar
Luis Oscar is a gorgeous ten-month-old, orphaned at two-weeks-old. He was abandoned because of his cleft palate. He lives in an orphanage, and was brought to the medical mission by a child protection worker in hopes of life-changing surgery.
Luis Oscar is a gorgeous ten-month-old, orphaned at two-weeks-old. He was abandoned because of his cleft palate. He lives in an orphanage, and was brought to the medical mission by a child protection worker in hopes of life-changing surgery.
Stephanie
U-Voice Student Alise Bailey meets a special little girl named Stephanie on a medical mission in Bolivia.
U-Voice Student Alise Bailey meets a special little girl named Stephanie on a medical mission in Bolivia.
Yuleyssy
“I saw the people stare at my baby when we left the hospital,” recalls Whanda. “They would not stop. I knew then that I needed to love my baby enough for everyone else. Because no one else would love her but me and my husband.”
“I saw the people stare at my baby when we left the hospital,” recalls Whanda. “They would not stop. I knew then that I needed to love my baby enough for everyone else. Because no one else would love her but me and my husband.”
Oscar
“The first day I saw my baby I was scared. And then I was ashamed.” Marcela looks at the ground and scuffs a sandal in the sun-baked earth. “Of your baby?” I ask gently. “Of me,” she replies.
“The first day I saw my baby I was scared. And then I was ashamed.” Marcela looks at the ground and scuffs a sandal in the sun-baked earth. “Of your baby?” I ask gently. “Of me,” she replies.
Karl
When little Karl was born, his mother, Khenzel, was devastated by his cleft lip.
When little Karl was born, his mother, Khenzel, was devastated by his cleft lip.
Samuel
Like so many parents whose children are born with severe clefts, Samuel’s father Abraham felt like his child had been cursed.
Like so many parents whose children are born with severe clefts, Samuel’s father Abraham felt like his child had been cursed.
Shaina
“I cry sometimes and blame myself for what happened to my daughter,” said Shaina’s mother, Rowena.
“I cry sometimes and blame myself for what happened to my daughter,” said Shaina’s mother, Rowena.
Anas
Sometimes medical mission volunteers are able to help resolve other abnormalities children might have, children like Anas.
Sometimes medical mission volunteers are able to help resolve other abnormalities children might have, children like Anas.
Arianna
Her parents waited anxiously for the surgery schedules to be posted… First Monday’s schedule was posted, then Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, and Friday’s and still Arianna’s name was not there. And then … Wednesdays’ schedule was posted. There was Arianna’s name!
Her parents waited anxiously for the surgery schedules to be posted… First Monday’s schedule was posted, then Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, and Friday’s and still Arianna’s name was not there. And then … Wednesdays’ schedule was posted. There was Arianna’s name!
Kushi
Sometimes, all you need to know is that things will be OK. That other people have been through this before. That you’re not alone.
Sometimes, all you need to know is that things will be OK. That other people have been through this before. That you’re not alone.
Hasanor
There’s that one moment that turns you at your core. You remember that no matter what speed your world seems to be moving, this journey is worth every second.
There’s that one moment that turns you at your core. You remember that no matter what speed your world seems to be moving, this journey is worth every second.
Maia
Jean and Shawn learned that their daughter, Maia was not going to be the perfectly formed baby that they hoped for when an ultrasound taken during the sixth month of her pregnancy showed that the baby’s mouth was broken.
Jean and Shawn learned that their daughter, Maia was not going to be the perfectly formed baby that they hoped for when an ultrasound taken during the sixth month of her pregnancy showed that the baby’s mouth was broken.
Jinden
A mother's heartfelt thanks as her daughter's life is changed forever
A mother's heartfelt thanks as her daughter's life is changed forever
Sarban
15 months after surgery, seven-year-old Sarban is healthy, attends school and has many more friends who he loves to play with – one of their favorite games is to run races, which he usually wins.
15 months after surgery, seven-year-old Sarban is healthy, attends school and has many more friends who he loves to play with – one of their favorite games is to run races, which he usually wins.
Ngan
Ngan dreams of becoming a teacher and bringing education to other children in the province. Her dream is a result of the gift of free surgery she received as a little girl.
Ngan dreams of becoming a teacher and bringing education to other children in the province. Her dream is a result of the gift of free surgery she received as a little girl.
Miahlale
Milahlale's mothers hope for her daughter is that she continue learning at school and university so that she can grow up to be a social worker. Miahlale wants to help young children and teach them how to love themselves regardless of the way they look.
Milahlale's mothers hope for her daughter is that she continue learning at school and university so that she can grow up to be a social worker. Miahlale wants to help young children and teach them how to love themselves regardless of the way they look.
Abduhelil
When Abduhelil was born with a cleft lip, both parents were unhappy and uncertain of their son’s future.
When Abduhelil was born with a cleft lip, both parents were unhappy and uncertain of their son’s future.
Manyiwe
“I was afraid. I did not want to draw any attention to myself and I didn’t think people would understand.”
“I was afraid. I did not want to draw any attention to myself and I didn’t think people would understand.”
Chadleen
Chadleen always dreamed that she would become a singer one day, but she had trouble speaking and smiling, let alone singing, because she was born with a cleft palate.
Chadleen always dreamed that she would become a singer one day, but she had trouble speaking and smiling, let alone singing, because she was born with a cleft palate.
Khensani “Gives Thanks”
Our first encounter with little Khensani Rathokolo was in November 2011 at the Klerksdorp Mission. Even at 10 months old he was already bright-eyed and inquisitive of the strange and uninvited faces smiling at him.
Our first encounter with little Khensani Rathokolo was in November 2011 at the Klerksdorp Mission. Even at 10 months old he was already bright-eyed and inquisitive of the strange and uninvited faces smiling at him.
Kevin
Wearing a pair of bright red flip-flops that were three times the size of his feet, Kevin caught my attention as he stood against the wall at the hospital...
Wearing a pair of bright red flip-flops that were three times the size of his feet, Kevin caught my attention as he stood against the wall at the hospital...
Tsesron
Tsesron walked for the very first time the day before his life changing Operation Smile surgery in Madagascar! An important developmental milestone for children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
Tsesron walked for the very first time the day before his life changing Operation Smile surgery in Madagascar! An important developmental milestone for children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
Antonia
“I would like to thank each one of you, with all my heart, because you’ve made my dream come true. My life has totally changed.”
“I would like to thank each one of you, with all my heart, because you’ve made my dream come true. My life has totally changed.”
Tafisa
There are always giggly babies on medical missions – and Tafita definitely fit the bill.
There are always giggly babies on medical missions – and Tafita definitely fit the bill.
Angel
Minda and Ruben never expected that their sixth child would be born with a huge hole in her lip.
Minda and Ruben never expected that their sixth child would be born with a huge hole in her lip.
José
José Villegas' two-pound tumor devastated his life. Three years in a row, he gave up his place on the surgery schedule so another, younger child could have surgery, a selfless act that changed his life forever.
José Villegas' two-pound tumor devastated his life. Three years in a row, he gave up his place on the surgery schedule so another, younger child could have surgery, a selfless act that changed his life forever.
Adeline
Adeline’s mother traveled a full day by bus to take her daughter to the medical mission site with the hope that the cleft lip she was born with would finally be repaired.
Adeline’s mother traveled a full day by bus to take her daughter to the medical mission site with the hope that the cleft lip she was born with would finally be repaired.
Diana
When Diana was born with a cleft lip, her mother couldn’t bear to look at her face.
When Diana was born with a cleft lip, her mother couldn’t bear to look at her face.
Isaac
The love from a father can certainly transcend all cultural environments. It varies from every individual’s perspective and initial ideology of what a father’s love truly is.
The love from a father can certainly transcend all cultural environments. It varies from every individual’s perspective and initial ideology of what a father’s love truly is.
Daniel
Even though he was born with a severe cleft lip, the smile in Daniel’s heart beamed through his twinkling eyes.
Even though he was born with a severe cleft lip, the smile in Daniel’s heart beamed through his twinkling eyes.
Rafiqul
When Rafiqul was born with a severe cleft lip, his parents were devastated. They could never hope to make enough money for the surgery their baby needed.
When Rafiqul was born with a severe cleft lip, his parents were devastated. They could never hope to make enough money for the surgery their baby needed.
Ana
Ana came into the world with eyes that sparkled with intelligence and humor, but she couldn’t smile, because she was also born with a severe cleft lip.
Ana came into the world with eyes that sparkled with intelligence and humor, but she couldn’t smile, because she was also born with a severe cleft lip.
Reepok
Heartbroken and with no hope of being able to afford the surgery Reepok needed, his mother agonized for nine desperate months until she heard about Operation Smile.
Heartbroken and with no hope of being able to afford the surgery Reepok needed, his mother agonized for nine desperate months until she heard about Operation Smile.
Moraes
When Moraes was eight months old, her mother heard about the Operation Smile medical mission in Fortaleza, Brazil.
When Moraes was eight months old, her mother heard about the Operation Smile medical mission in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Daisy
Before surgery, Daisy was laughed at and teased at school. It wasn't until Daisy was six years old, that her parents learned her cleft lip and cleft palate could be repaired.
Before surgery, Daisy was laughed at and teased at school. It wasn't until Daisy was six years old, that her parents learned her cleft lip and cleft palate could be repaired.
Bismita
When our medical team in Guwahati first met Bismita, she was only 24 days old and extremely malnourished due to her cleft lip and cleft palate. They worried about her survival.
When our medical team in Guwahati first met Bismita, she was only 24 days old and extremely malnourished due to her cleft lip and cleft palate. They worried about her survival.
Diosmairy
Diosmairy was born in the Dominican Republic with hypertelorism, an abnormal separation of the orbits characterized by space between her eyes, and a craniofacial cleft.
Diosmairy was born in the Dominican Republic with hypertelorism, an abnormal separation of the orbits characterized by space between her eyes, and a craniofacial cleft.
Rogerio
Rogerio is one of five siblings, and the second child in his family to be born with a cleft lip or cleft palate in Brazil.
Rogerio is one of five siblings, and the second child in his family to be born with a cleft lip or cleft palate in Brazil.
Francisco
Francisco was born into poverty with a cleft lip and cleft palate. His family struggled to understand their child’s condition.
Francisco was born into poverty with a cleft lip and cleft palate. His family struggled to understand their child’s condition.
Lucas
Lucas' father was also born with cleft lip and didn't want his son to endure the lifetime of shame and rejection that he knew firsthand.
Lucas' father was also born with cleft lip and didn't want his son to endure the lifetime of shame and rejection that he knew firsthand.
Maria
Abandoned by both her parents, Maria faced incomprehensible pain during her first five years of life in Brazil.
Abandoned by both her parents, Maria faced incomprehensible pain during her first five years of life in Brazil.
Marceline
Eleven-year-old Marceline is a bright girl with beautiful eyes. But to others in her village, she's an outcast and cursed because of her cleft lip.
Eleven-year-old Marceline is a bright girl with beautiful eyes. But to others in her village, she's an outcast and cursed because of her cleft lip.
Guo
3-year-old Guo, who had a cleft lip operation in 2009 and a palate repair in 2010, returned to Lincang in 2011 with his mother for his final surgery.
3-year-old Guo, who had a cleft lip operation in 2009 and a palate repair in 2010, returned to Lincang in 2011 with his mother for his final surgery.
Fernanda Oliva
Fernanda Oliva cannot hear her name or the sound of laughter - she was born deaf. Fernanda was also born with a cleft lip that marred her sweet smile.
Fernanda Oliva cannot hear her name or the sound of laughter - she was born deaf. Fernanda was also born with a cleft lip that marred her sweet smile.
Sebastian
When Sebastian's mother Daniela got pregnant, she was ecstatic. But her joy turned to shock when her baby was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. Daniela was wracked with guilt.
When Sebastian's mother Daniela got pregnant, she was ecstatic. But her joy turned to shock when her baby was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate. Daniela was wracked with guilt.
Lisha
To her heartbroken mother, Lisha's facial deformity was a terrible curse. She knew how her girl would suffer. That she would be an outcast ' and probably never marry.
To her heartbroken mother, Lisha's facial deformity was a terrible curse. She knew how her girl would suffer. That she would be an outcast ' and probably never marry.
Karen Nicol
Karen Nicol was the apple of her father's eye. But when others looked at his baby girl, they only saw the cleft lip and cleft palate she was born with.
Karen Nicol was the apple of her father's eye. But when others looked at his baby girl, they only saw the cleft lip and cleft palate she was born with.
Fu Yun
The cleft lip Fu Yun was born with made eating and speaking difficult. Other children laughed at her and made her cry.
The cleft lip Fu Yun was born with made eating and speaking difficult. Other children laughed at her and made her cry.
Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a beautiful 12-year-old girl with a sweet personality. But she was born with a cleft lip that made every day of her life torture.
Jacqueline is a beautiful 12-year-old girl with a sweet personality. But she was born with a cleft lip that made every day of her life torture.
Rahul
Born into severe poverty with a cleft lip and cleft palate, Rahul could have been doomed to suffer a lifetime of rejection, scorn and isolation.
Born into severe poverty with a cleft lip and cleft palate, Rahul could have been doomed to suffer a lifetime of rejection, scorn and isolation.
Pelón, Eberto and Mariano
Pelón, Eberto and Mariano were brought by an elderly community leader from a very small town. The boys were nervous to leave their homes, but all three received new smiles.
Pelón, Eberto and Mariano were brought by an elderly community leader from a very small town. The boys were nervous to leave their homes, but all three received new smiles.
Keo
The 81-year-old mother of four, and grandmother of more than 20, left her home in Gi Khana village in Treang province with the hopes of finally restoring her smile.
The 81-year-old mother of four, and grandmother of more than 20, left her home in Gi Khana village in Treang province with the hopes of finally restoring her smile.
Lokhi
Lokhi, a wonderfully outgoing 15 year boy, arrived for surgery with his father. Lokhi is one of six children from a remote village and has lived with a very wide cleft lip all of his life.
Lokhi, a wonderfully outgoing 15 year boy, arrived for surgery with his father. Lokhi is one of six children from a remote village and has lived with a very wide cleft lip all of his life.
Grace
Grace has five brothers and sisters and is the youngest and only one of her siblings born with a cleft lip. When Grace was born, her mother was blamed for her deformity.
Grace has five brothers and sisters and is the youngest and only one of her siblings born with a cleft lip. When Grace was born, her mother was blamed for her deformity.
Neil
Neil was born with a rare deformity called Encephalocele in the Philippines. Operation Smile Australia changed his life - and gave him a chance for a bright future.
Neil was born with a rare deformity called Encephalocele in the Philippines. Operation Smile Australia changed his life - and gave him a chance for a bright future.
Chadleen
As a little girl Chadleen dreamed of being a singer, but she couldn't even speak because of her cleft palate.
As a little girl Chadleen dreamed of being a singer, but she couldn't even speak because of her cleft palate.
Bikash
Bikash, 12, lives on a tea plantation in India. He lost both his parents to an unknown fever.
Bikash, 12, lives on a tea plantation in India. He lost both his parents to an unknown fever.
Adel
Adel's speech was so hindered by his cleft palate, his mother was worried his teacher would not graduate Adel to the first grade.
Adel's speech was so hindered by his cleft palate, his mother was worried his teacher would not graduate Adel to the first grade.
Thu
Thu was just a baby when she came to the Operation Smile medical mission in Vung Tau with her mom.
Thu was just a baby when she came to the Operation Smile medical mission in Vung Tau with her mom.
Maria Vitoria & Maria Vivian
The mother of these twins knew she had to do something when her baby girls were born. Both had severe cleft lips and cleft palates, marring their sweet faces.
The mother of these twins knew she had to do something when her baby girls were born. Both had severe cleft lips and cleft palates, marring their sweet faces.
Thailer
When Thailer's mother first set eyes on her child, she was filled with happiness'and then shock.
When Thailer's mother first set eyes on her child, she was filled with happiness'and then shock.
Bryan
Bryan had trouble eating and drinking, and they were too poor to do anything about his deformity.
Bryan had trouble eating and drinking, and they were too poor to do anything about his deformity.
Ibrahim
Because of Ibrahim's deformity, he grew up with no friends and his parents felt terrible guilt.
Because of Ibrahim's deformity, he grew up with no friends and his parents felt terrible guilt.
Eimy
When Eimy was born, she had a terrible cleft lip and cleft palate that went all the way up into both nostrils.
When Eimy was born, she had a terrible cleft lip and cleft palate that went all the way up into both nostrils.
Danila
Danila was born beautiful and perfect - except for a jagged tear in her upper lip that became the central focus of her life.
Danila was born beautiful and perfect - except for a jagged tear in her upper lip that became the central focus of her life.
Molyny
When Molyny was just 29 days old, she was abandoned at a missionary center by her family.
When Molyny was just 29 days old, she was abandoned at a missionary center by her family.
Soline
Born into severe poverty with a cleft lip, Soline struggled constantly with shame and self-consciousness.
Born into severe poverty with a cleft lip, Soline struggled constantly with shame and self-consciousness.
Realyn
Realyn was lucky she didn't have to grow up marred by the terrible facial deformity with which she was born.
Realyn was lucky she didn't have to grow up marred by the terrible facial deformity with which she was born.
Jempson
Due to extreme poverty, Jempson never had any chance of getting surgery for the cleft lip he was born with.
Due to extreme poverty, Jempson never had any chance of getting surgery for the cleft lip he was born with.
Maiquin
Maiquin lived with his facial deformity for three years because his parents couldn't afford the surgeries he desperately needed.
Maiquin lived with his facial deformity for three years because his parents couldn't afford the surgeries he desperately needed.
Miraya
Three-year-old Miraya traveled 14 hours by bus with her mother to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, hoping to be selected for reconstructive surgery to correct her cleft lip.
Three-year-old Miraya traveled 14 hours by bus with her mother to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, hoping to be selected for reconstructive surgery to correct her cleft lip.
Divith
Divith's mother knew his future would be painful, but felt helpless to save him.
Divith's mother knew his future would be painful, but felt helpless to save him.
Svetlana
While watching the news on television, Svetlana's mother saw that Operation Smile was conducting a mission in Novosibirsk, Russia, and she knew this was her daughter's chance.
While watching the news on television, Svetlana's mother saw that Operation Smile was conducting a mission in Novosibirsk, Russia, and she knew this was her daughter's chance.
John
John Maina was a street child from Thika, a town near to Nairobi, where an Operation Smile Medical Mission was taking place.
John Maina was a street child from Thika, a town near to Nairobi, where an Operation Smile Medical Mission was taking place.
Thais
Born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate, Thais' parents knew nothing of such facial deformities, nor could they have ever afforded treatment.
Born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate, Thais' parents knew nothing of such facial deformities, nor could they have ever afforded treatment.
Ammulu
Ammulu was born with a severe facial deformity that made eating and drinking difficult.
Ammulu was born with a severe facial deformity that made eating and drinking difficult.
David
David's mother worried he wouldn't live because he had trouble eating and drinking.
David's mother worried he wouldn't live because he had trouble eating and drinking.
Naepupew
Being part of the Karen Hiltribe in Myanmar had already given this sweet girl the lowest social status in a desparately poor country.
Being part of the Karen Hiltribe in Myanmar had already given this sweet girl the lowest social status in a desparately poor country.
Lipi
This precious girl endured ridicule and stares from others for 7 years.
This precious girl endured ridicule and stares from others for 7 years.
Kupaw
As Kupaw grew older, he became increasingly self-conscious about his facial deformity.
As Kupaw grew older, he became increasingly self-conscious about his facial deformity.
Jamila
Born with a cleft lip, Jamila's appearance was initially a shock to her mother.
Born with a cleft lip, Jamila's appearance was initially a shock to her mother.
Jhuma
For 13 years, Jhuma lived with shame and humiliation as other children teased her cruelly.
For 13 years, Jhuma lived with shame and humiliation as other children teased her cruelly.
Brittany
2007 Tegucigalpa, Honduras
2007 Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Demetria
Demetria says that Operation Smile changed her life most by giving her the same opportunity as others - enabling her to attend school.
Demetria says that Operation Smile changed her life most by giving her the same opportunity as others - enabling her to attend school.
Tatyana
Tatyana's sweet face is now adorned with a beautiful smile, and she has a chance to lead a normal, happy life.
Tatyana's sweet face is now adorned with a beautiful smile, and she has a chance to lead a normal, happy life.
Brigid
It took a village - and a world of compassion - to bring life-changing surgery to this Kenyan girl.
It took a village - and a world of compassion - to bring life-changing surgery to this Kenyan girl.
Guillermo
Life can be hard enough in Nicaragua - free surgery made one easier...
Life can be hard enough in Nicaragua - free surgery made one easier...
Min Zhu
Delivering hope to a whole family in China
Delivering hope to a whole family in China
Davanyan
Though she'll never remember the volunteer medical team that repaired her cleft lip, Davanyan's beautiful smile will be a lifelong reminder.
Though she'll never remember the volunteer medical team that repaired her cleft lip, Davanyan's beautiful smile will be a lifelong reminder.
Ngan
In Vietnamese, Ngan's name means "star," though she wasn't able to smile brightly as she was born with a cleft lip and gaping hole in her palate.
In Vietnamese, Ngan's name means "star," though she wasn't able to smile brightly as she was born with a cleft lip and gaping hole in her palate.
Thanh
Reclaiming his birth name — and future — after surgery in Vietnam...
Reclaiming his birth name — and future — after surgery in Vietnam...
Estella
The medical care provided by Operation Smile volunteers has given Estella much more than a new smile. She now has a chance to lead a happy life and realize her fill potential!
The medical care provided by Operation Smile volunteers has given Estella much more than a new smile. She now has a chance to lead a happy life and realize her fill potential!
Binh
Unable to afford surgery, Binh's parents were distraught. Then they heard about Operation Smile's new Comprehensive Care Center in Hue.
Unable to afford surgery, Binh's parents were distraught. Then they heard about Operation Smile's new Comprehensive Care Center in Hue.
Arnoldo
One of 160 children healed on a Barinas, Venezuela, mission
One of 160 children healed on a Barinas, Venezuela, mission
Omar
Called 'rabbit' by the other children, 11-year-old Omar was sad and embarrassed about his cleft lip. All he wanted was to look like the other children.
Called 'rabbit' by the other children, 11-year-old Omar was sad and embarrassed about his cleft lip. All he wanted was to look like the other children.
Nosantui
It took a village - and a world of compassion - to bring life-changing surgery to this Kenyan woman.
It took a village - and a world of compassion - to bring life-changing surgery to this Kenyan woman.
Jenier
From the day he was born with a severe cleft lip, Jenier was always sick. His parents worried about his health.
From the day he was born with a severe cleft lip, Jenier was always sick. His parents worried about his health.
Daisy
Now this beautiful little girl can't keep from smiling, and has a new future with endless possibilities.
Now this beautiful little girl can't keep from smiling, and has a new future with endless possibilities.
Tuan
Tuan's parents are loving but poor -- too poor to afford the 45-minute surgery needed to fix their son's cleft lip and save him from a lifetime of pain and isolation.
Tuan's parents are loving but poor -- too poor to afford the 45-minute surgery needed to fix their son's cleft lip and save him from a lifetime of pain and isolation.
Fatima
This sweet baby girl was born with severe clefts in her lip and palate that made eating and drinking difficult.
This sweet baby girl was born with severe clefts in her lip and palate that made eating and drinking difficult.
Milciades
Born with a double cleft in his upper lip, Milciades seemed destined for a sad, painful life. Luckily, his mother learned of the Operation Smile mission in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Born with a double cleft in his upper lip, Milciades seemed destined for a sad, painful life. Luckily, his mother learned of the Operation Smile mission in Asuncion, Paraguay.
Ming
Ming didn't want to go to school because other children refused to let him play with them. But now with his radiant smile, he looks forward to starting school.
Ming didn't want to go to school because other children refused to let him play with them. But now with his radiant smile, he looks forward to starting school.
Jonatan
Jonatan was two years old when he embarked on the trip that would change his life forever. He only had one wish in his young life -- to have his cleft lip repaired.
Jonatan was two years old when he embarked on the trip that would change his life forever. He only had one wish in his young life -- to have his cleft lip repaired.
Priccila
Now, Priccila can lead a normal life. And her mother, Karina, is so thankful to Operation Smile.
Now, Priccila can lead a normal life. And her mother, Karina, is so thankful to Operation Smile.
Zacarias
Surgeons repaired Zacarias' cleft lip. Two years later, when Operation Smile returned to Bolivia, Zacarias was selected again and received surgery for his cleft palate.
Surgeons repaired Zacarias' cleft lip. Two years later, when Operation Smile returned to Bolivia, Zacarias was selected again and received surgery for his cleft palate.
Delwin
When Operation Smile came to Managua, Delwin's mother Elizabeth knew it might be their only chance.
When Operation Smile came to Managua, Delwin's mother Elizabeth knew it might be their only chance.
Hinabom
Hinabom was a quiet two year old who had traveled far on foot with her mother and her grandmother in search of a new smile. Now she and her entire family are smiling with joy!
Hinabom was a quiet two year old who had traveled far on foot with her mother and her grandmother in search of a new smile. Now she and her entire family are smiling with joy!
Cam Ly
Four-year-old Cam Ly has a beautiful face that shines with joy and hope. But it wasn't always so.
Four-year-old Cam Ly has a beautiful face that shines with joy and hope. But it wasn't always so.
Vera
Today, Vera has a smile that makes her mother proud -- and a chance at a bright future.
Today, Vera has a smile that makes her mother proud -- and a chance at a bright future.
Angel
Thanks to friends like you, Angel received a new smile and was spared the taunts and rejection that facial deformities bring. Now his future looks bright and filled with opportunity.
Thanks to friends like you, Angel received a new smile and was spared the taunts and rejection that facial deformities bring. Now his future looks bright and filled with opportunity.
Narathon
Narathon's parents had been to the hospital three times, and were told there was nothing they could do. Then Narathon's mom heard that Operation Smile was coming to Mae Sot, Thailand.
Narathon's parents had been to the hospital three times, and were told there was nothing they could do. Then Narathon's mom heard that Operation Smile was coming to Mae Sot, Thailand.
Abdukerim
Fowz loved her son, but knew she could never afford the surgery to mend his smile. She worried that he would be bound to a life of shame and isolation.
Fowz loved her son, but knew she could never afford the surgery to mend his smile. She worried that he would be bound to a life of shame and isolation.
Nhan
Nhan was born with a torn disfigured lip. His parents, poor rice farmers, were distraught and worried that their son would be an outcast in their village.
Nhan was born with a torn disfigured lip. His parents, poor rice farmers, were distraught and worried that their son would be an outcast in their village.
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What Causes Clefts
Learn more about cleft lips and cleft palates.
