Real-Life Stories

These stories — from patients, health care providers, students and more — are made possible through the generous support from donors like you.

Recent Stories

Read the latest stories from Operation Smile.

Li smiles for the camera while holding her stuffed bunny.

Latin America and the Caribbean

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

What began as a journey filled with fear and challenges has turned into a story of happiness, resilience and hope for Lilia and her mother.

Ihan laughs while playing with a member of Clowns without Borders.

5 Ways Operation Smile Brings Smiles Within Reach

In honor of World Smile Day, we’re reflecting on some of the many ways Operation Smile has been working to bring smiles within reach by providing safe accessible care and surgery to families around the globe this past year.

Global

Key Takeaways from UNGA 80 That Can Transform Access to Care

Each year, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) brings together leaders, advocates and changemakers from around the world to tackle global challenges. For Operation Smile, this year’s meeting was an opportunity to highlight the importance of safe surgical care and share our work expanding access to care.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Notes From Latin America: Expanding Care, Building Capacity and Celebrating Impact

Indiana Siu, regional associate vice president of Operation Smile for Latin America and the Caribbean, reflects on 15 years of creating new smiles and transforming lives across the region.

Guatemala

Care Within Reach: Expanding Access and Hope in Guatemala’s Remote Northern Region

In Peten, like many low- and middle-income communities, distance is a major barrier to care. Through Operation 100, Operation Smile is bringing surgery and comprehensive care closer to home — creating lasting impact for generations.

Asia and the Pacific

Reflecting on 35 Years of Operation Smile in Vietnam with a Commitment to Expanding Care

Since 1989, Operation Smile has been caring for patients, training health care providers and building understanding between Vietnam and the United States in the wake of the Vietnam war.

Ribbon Cutting at Opening of Operation Smile Tanzania

Africa

The Opening of Operation Smile Tanzania is a Dream Realized for Augustino Hellar, M.D.

From growing up in a small village to the opening of Operation Smile in his home country, expanding access to care is what drives the regional director of east Africa.

A father and daughter share a moment during a surgical program.

Global

Behind the Lens: Inspiring Action through Photography

Meet five photographers who capture the heart of Operation Smile’s work and the powerful human connections that inspire us all.

A boy excitedly points at something off camera.

Asia and the Pacific

For Young Phúc in Vietnam, Life-Changing Surgery Is Just One Bus Ride Away

With its efforts to expand care for our patients and their communities, Operation Smile makes safe surgery accessible to patients around the globe.