Real-Life Stories

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

Recent Stories

Read the latest stories from Operation Smile.

Ramata smiles for the camera among her friends.

Global

Five Ways Operation Smile Builds Hope Every Day

Hope becomes real through action. This International Day of Hope, discover five ways Operation Smile is building hope together with patients, families, volunteers, supporters and partners around the world.

Africa

Back to School with Confidence: How Cleft Care Helped Peter Thrive in the Classroom

From a surprise at birth to confidence in the classroom today, Peter’s story shows how access to cleft care helped him thrive in school and how his family move beyond stigma and uncertainty.

Latin America and the Caribbean

A Father Who Understood: Miguel and Margaret’s Shared Journey

When Miguel held his newborn daughter, Margaret, for the first time, he saw something that he had spent a lifetime learning to carry. She had a cleft condition, just like him.

Africa

Everyone Has a Part to Play: Three Volunteers Who Are Changing Access to Care in Ghana

As we continue our celebration of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, we are proud to share the stories of three volunteers from Ghana.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Sebastian’s Long Road to Happiness

Even before Sebastian was born, his mother, María, began to search for organizations near their home in Mexico that could treat his cleft condition. Operation Smile provided the hope and care they were looking for.

A healthcare provider looks through a lens.

Africa

Hope on the Horizon: African Surgeons Reimagining the Future of Healthcare

Expanding access to quality healthcare requires skilled providers, strong systems and sustained investment. Medical leaders from Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa share why they remain hopeful about Africa’s ability to meet these challenges and drive lasting change.

We Build Hope

Surgeons at work during a program in Peru.

Latin America and the Caribbean

The Lancet Features Operation Smile: Local Partnerships in Peru Driving Lasting Change

For too many families, barriers like distance and cost prevent them from accessing the safe surgical care they need. We partner with local leaders and health systems to break down these barriers, building a future where every person can access the care they deserve.

Africa

Meet Mama Africa: A Nurse Whose Compassionate Leadership Has Shaped Generations of Care

For 30 years, Florence Mangula has been a caring and calming presence for young surgical patients and their families. And she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Ihan smiles for the camera with his mother, Carla.

Africa

In Honor of Mother’s Day: 5 Women Who Inspire Us Through Hope and Determination

This Mother’s Day, we’re proud to highlight some of the moms who carry hope forward — seeking care, supporting their children and shaping brighter futures for their families and communities.

Real-Life Stories

Recent Stories

Five Ways Operation Smile Builds Hope Every Day

Back to School with Confidence: How Cleft Care Helped Peter Thrive in the Classroom

A Father Who Understood: Miguel and Margaret’s Shared Journey

Everyone Has a Part to Play: Three Volunteers Who Are Changing Access to Care in Ghana

Sebastian’s Long Road to Happiness

Hope on the Horizon: African Surgeons Reimagining the Future of Healthcare

The Lancet Features Operation Smile: Local Partnerships in Peru Driving Lasting Change

Meet Mama Africa: A Nurse Whose Compassionate Leadership Has Shaped Generations of Care

In Honor of Mother’s Day: 5 Women Who Inspire Us Through Hope and Determination

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