We estimate that there are 5 million children waiting for care in the 34 countries where we work. 

The majority of these children are unable to receive the medical care they need because it is too costly, far away, or specialized. Because of this, being born with a cleft condition can be fatal. If a child survives, they may face bullying and social isolation. 

What started as a family-led, medical-mission based organization has grown into a global network of passionate individuals united under the belief that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.

Empowering local health professionals through training and education creates surgical solutions that last. We’re proud that most of our medical volunteers are from the low-and middle-income countries we serve. By partnering with ministries of health, academic institutions, corporations, local health professionals and other organizations, our goal is to change lives and revolutionize how entire health systems deliver surgical care where we work.

Surgery is the first step in repairing a cleft condition, it can immediately improve a child’s ability to eat, breathe and speak. After surgery, we provide comprehensive care based on each child’s needs including dentistry, speech therapy and psychosocial support. This increases their likelihood of living a normal life, attending school and pursing a brighter future. We’re committed to treating the whole patient because it’s the right thing to do. Find out how we’re providing the highest quality of surgical care to every child, everywhere.

We envision a future where health and dignity are improved through safe surgery.

When we meet families affected by cleft who live in some of the most impoverished communities in the world, we’re reminded of the transformative effect surgery can have on the lives of people like Dede and his daughter Clara.