Operation Smile, an international medical charity organization, held a graduation gala on Saturday, August 26 marking the graduation of Rwanda's newest plastic surgeons: Dr. Yves Nezerwa, Dr. Francoise Mukagaju, and Dr. Ian Shyaka.

A local high school freshman is making a difference in the lives of children around the world who have a cleft condition just like her through her efforts with Operation Smile. Meet Hailey Dore in this week’s I Am Hampton Roads.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Thousands of runners took part in this past weekend’s Shamrock Marathon, and while there is plenty of energy in all the events…there’s nothing quite like the Operation Smile Shamrock Marathon Final Mile.

A Mizzou senior who was born with a cleft condition plans to attend medical school to help others, and she’s also started an Operation Smile club at the school in Columbia. Hannibal native Emilee Carleton tells 939 the Eagle that she’s undergone 14 surgeries to help repair her cleft condition.

February 20th is National Student Volunteer Day and Emilee Carleton, a senior at the University of Missouri, is being recognized by Operation Smile, a nonprofit which specializes in cleft surgery and care. Emilee started the Operation Smile Club at Mizzou in 2021.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, Operation Smile is recognizing dedicated volunteer Dr. Carmen Kamas-Weiting from Houston, Texas. Dr. Kamas-Weiting has been volunteering with Operation Smile since 1996 and her enthusiasm for working with children in low- and middle- income countries is as strong as ever.

Claire Donaghy is just as much at home in Central Africa as she is in New Jersey. The William Paterson University nursing professor said she's found a second home in Rwanda, a nation she first visited with Operation Smile in 2014. The 68-year-old is eager to return in either April or November. "The country is beautiful and the people are wonderful. They are so welcoming and trying hard to educate their nurses to high standards," she said. "That's not to say I won't go other places."

West Coast Development Director Joan Gachuhi is a Sacramento State Hornet and Folsom resident. She says she's always wanted the opportunity to serve her community. "As a first generation Kenyan American, I have on many occasions been on the receiving end of what we call Harambe, which means 'all pull together.' For me to be able to give back to my community, be able to put my my talents to a mission that improves people's lives, that is all I could ask for," said Gachuhi.

KENNETT SQUARE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A Chester County woman is improving the lives of children around the world by giving them the gift of a new smile. Noreen Kessler from Kennett Square has been volunteering with Operation Smile for nearly 30 years.