About

When Operation Smile began in 1982, no one imagined it would grow and expand so quickly, capturing the hearts and vision of people around the world dedicated to changing lives. Today, over 130,000 children around the globe no longer suffer from facial deformities. But, changing children's lives doesn't begin and end with surgeons and nurses alone. It's the compassion, energy and selfless service of students who make an impact on the world, one smile at a time.

The Beginning

On one of the first Operation Smile missions, Co-founder Kathy Magee witnessed the patience and sensitivity her teenage daughter Brigette displayed while comforting a small child after surgery.

The impact of the mission had a greater reach than the children who were treated. Upon returning to the U.S., Brigette and her friend Danny Rosin felt compelled to raise funds for a school in the Philippines near Operation Smile’s first mission site.

Together, they gathered a group of students willing to give their time and energy to collect funds and books for the school. Exceeding their original goal, the Filipino school was able to build a new wing with the donations and appropriately named it: The Happy Club School.

Spreading Smiles Worldwide

Operation Smile depends on students around the world, to contribute their energy and passion, even for a brief moment, to help make a child smile. More than 500 Operation Smile Student Clubs around the globe build awareness, raise funds and educate students about our core values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism.

Student leaders are a valuable asset to every international medical mission. Operation Smile sends two volunteer students leaders and a student sponsor on international medical missions to help educate children and families about burn care and prevention, oral rehydration therapy, nutrition and dental hygiene. When students help children in need, they learn firsthand how they can make an impact on the world and help heal humanity.