A Little Girl, A Big Smile and a Future Full of Possibilities 

Five-year-old Lilia, who likes to be called Li, bursts into a room and instantly fills it with energy. Dressed in pink with her long braid swinging, she hugs everyone she meets at Operation Smile’s surgical program in Puebla, Mexico, held at Christus Muguerza Hospital Betania. Her giggles are contagious, and her eyes are wide with curiosity about everything happening around her. She loves dancing, singing and playing basketball. At school in  Ixtapaluca, she always makes sure new classmates feel welcome, playing with them, making them laugh and helping them feel at ease. 

It is hard to imagine that just a few years ago, Li’s life began under a cloud of uncertainty. Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate. Her mother, Valeria, had recently lost her husband and faced pregnancy, grief and a world in lockdown alone. Surgeries were delayed, health systems were overwhelmed, and support was scarce. 

“Operation Smile was always there for us, not just for surgery but with speech therapy and psychosocial support,” Valeria recalls. “It was a beautiful experience. If I cry now, it’s from happiness.” 

Care That Transforms Lives 

Li had her first surgery to treat her cleft lip in 2021, when she was 1 year old, and her second surgery to treat her cleft palate in 2022. Since then, she has continued receiving comprehensive care, including speech therapy, orthodontics and follow-up checks at our partner hospital that help her speak clearly, thrive at school and grow with confidence. 

Valeria remembers the day Li received her first surgery, a moment that changed everything: 

“When the doctors brought her back from surgery, I couldn’t recognize her. It was so beautiful to see her. Her appearance had changed, but she kept smiling and laughing just like before. It was such a special day.” 

Lilia’s progress shows that she is a happy, affectionate girl who enjoys going to school and interacting with others. She is gaining confidence every day as she grows and progresses in her comprehensive care. Her speech is clear thanks to the speech therapy she began at a very young age,” said Liliana Pazos, patient coordinator in Operation Smile Mexico.

A Childhood Full of Joy 

Today, Li’s life is full of the ordinary wonders of childhood: She laughs freely, hugs openly and dances whenever she can. She speaks clearly, and she is always eager to make new friends. 

“She’s playful, funny, caring and loves to give hugs,” says her mom. “Whenever someone new comes to school or a child cries, Li is the first to make them feel welcome.” 

Valeria says watching Li grow healthy and happy is a source of strength. 

“We’ve been through so much, but it hasn’t been a limitation,” she explains. “I want Li to know that no matter your circumstances, a smile and empathy are important.” 

When asked about the future, Li dreams big. Sometimes she says she wants to be a teacher or a doctor, and her mother adds, “I think she could even be a model.”  

With the support of Operation Smile, Li not only had access to surgeries but also received comprehensive care, guidance, and a community that continues to walk beside her. Her smile is more than just a reflection of successful surgery; it is a sign of resilience, confidence and the possibilities that open when a child is given the care she needs.