Four for Father’s Day: Remarkable Dads Whose Strength and Determination Helped the Children They Love

In many ways, Operation Smile is an organization built around a father’s love and his driven focus to provide care and safe, free surgery to children and their families around the world. More than four decades after Dr. Bill Magee, co-founder and CEO emeritus, and Kathy Magee, co-founder, president and  CEO, held the organization’s first surgical program in the Philippines, the principles of love and leadership remain pillars of the organization’s mission.  

This legacy of care is visible today not only in the generations of Bill and Kathy’s family who continue to dedicate their life to Operation Smile but also in our global network of volunteer health care providers and the parents of patients whose determination and strength are invaluable to their children’s journeys to a better health. 

In honor of Father’s Day, here are four stories of dads we have met on their journeys to ensuring their children are able to receive the best care possible. The stories might be from different countries, languages and cultures, but they all represent the love and commitment these fathers have to their families and children for a future full of hope and health.

Iranildo and Antonia

When Antonia was born with a cleft condition, her father, Iranildo, faced the challenges of raising a large family amid a prolonged drought in northern Brazil. All he could do was offer Antonia a promise that he hoped he could one day fulfill: “I promise I will get it fixed.”  Years later, through Operation Smile Brazil, Antonia received her surgery. Her transformation was profound — not just physically but emotionally — as she gained confidence and became an advocate for others facing similar challenges.  

Read more about Iranildo and Antonia’s story. 

Efren, Sr. and Efren, Jr.  

In the Philippines, young Efren endured daily bullying due to his cleft condition, often returning home in tears. His father, Efren Sr., provided unwavering support during these challenging times. After discovering Operation Smile, Efren Jr. received life-changing surgery. After surgery, Efren Jr. a renewed outlook on life, thanks in large part to his father’s steadfast encouragement.  

“I am hoping Efren will continue school up to a high level and go to college; I would like him to become a teacher,” said Efren Sr., who is a fisherman. “He has big dreams, but couldn’t do it without surgery – without Operation Smile.” 

Read more about Efren and his son.

Ángel and Karla

When an ultrasound revealed that his daughter, Karla, would be born with a cleft condition, Ángel experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Despite societal stigma and personal doubts, his love for Karla never wavered. He tirelessly sought care, eventually connecting with Operation Smile in Puebla, Mexico.  

After his daughter’s cleft lip surgery, Ángel could not look away from his daughter’s new smile. “The feelings I had when I saw her, with the surgery done, I cried inside. I was happy,” he said. “I will make it my life’s mission to find and help families with clefts.” 

And today, Ángel is doing just that, volunteering as a patient advocate, comforting nervous parents and letting them know what to expect just as someone did for his family. 

Watch “A Pillar of My Life,” Ángel and Karla’s story.

Jean and Valentine

After traveling three and half hours by bus to reach the hospital, Jean and his five-year-old daughter Valentine arrived at the Operation Smile surgical program in Kigali, Rwanda full of hope.  “The other kids are harassing her, and they don’t want to play with her. Surgery will turn her life around,” he said.  

The family of five, including Valentine, her parents and her two older brothers, live in northern Rwanda and share a one-bedroom home with no running water or electricity. Despite the family’s limited resources, there is no limit to how much love and devotion they have for one another.  

Seeing Valentine after her surgery, Jean says “I hope she will meet new friends, and that the ones who bullied her can’t believe their eyes.  
 
Watch Jean and Valentine’s story.

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