Stories You Make Possible

Stories You Make Possible

Explore Operation Smile stories from around the world highlighting the courage of patients and their families, the dedication of our volunteers and staff, and the generosity of supporters like you.

Ghana

Overcoming Nutritional Barriers to Surgery in Ghana

Ghanaian volunteer nutritionist Dede Kwadjo creates practical and effective solutions so patients suffering from malnutrition can receive surgery.
Global

Ensuring Healthier Lives Through Nutrition: Q&A with Charlotte Steppling

Hear from nutrition program manager, Charlotte Steppling, about why including nutritional support on our programs is saving patients' lives around the world.
Malawi
Photo: Margherita Mirabella.

Compassion, Community and A Catalyst for Care

Empowered by his love for his family and the support of his community, Mtengeni overcame seemingly impossible barriers to get his daughter the care she deserved.
Morocco
Photo: Margherita Mirabella.

Timely Surgery Leads to Rania’s Brighter Future

With timely surgical intervention from Operation Smile Morocco, Rania avoided the health problems and painful stigma that some people endure when living with an untreated cleft condition.
Malawi
Photo: Jasmin Shah.

Unforeseen Hope Arises in Malawi: Magret’s Story

In 34 years, Magret found love, spread joy and created a beautiful family. However, surgery for her cleft condition continued to elude her.
Global

Changing Perceptions: National Birth Defects Prevention Month

VIDEO: In honor of National Birth Defects Prevention Month, we're sharing how we uphold our patients' dignity by refusing to use their condition as a way to define them.
Guatemala
Photo: Carlos Rueda.

A Mother’s Love Overcomes Unexpected Challenges

Two months prior to when he was expected, Ethan was born. Worry for her premature baby filled Dayrim with fear and uncertainty, which only intensified when she saw his smile for the first time. 
Global
Global Surgery Fellows Drs. Priyanka Naidu and Zach Collier engage in a Q&A session where they discuss their impact as global health leaders.

Why Research Matters: A Conversation With Operation Smile Global Surgery Fellows

Global Surgery Fellows Drs. Priyanka Naidu and Zach Collier engage in a Q&A session where they discuss their impact as global health leaders.
Global
A young patient and their mother received nutritional support from Operation Smile Madagascar amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient, a toddler with an untreated bilateral cleft lip, is looking directly into the camera while being held by their caregiver, who is wearing a gold beanie, glasses and a bright yellow mask.

Our Year in Review: 2021

While our 2021 fiscal year proved to be another challenging year for our patients, their families and our teams around the world, it was also a year that showcased Operation Smile’s commitment, resilience and adaptiveness.

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Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition. Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.

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