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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
The Power of Speech Therapy: Meet a Local Leader Transforming Cleft Care

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We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
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- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Education and Training Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
- Operation 100 Our bold strategy to bring essential surgical care closer to patients.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
- Ways to Give Learn about how you can transform lives.
- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
- Advocate for Us Spread the word about us.
- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Education and Training
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Operation 100
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

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.

Volunteers smile for a photo.

Africa

Nourishing Hope: Meet a Nutrition Volunteer Supporting Families Through Breastfeeding in Tanzania

Comprehensive cleft care begins long before surgery. Through breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling and family education, nutrition volunteer Anna Nombo is helping children in Tanzania get the healthy start they need to thrive.

Volunteers speak with a patient and her family

Guatemala

Closing the Distance Between Communities and Care in Guatemala

In Guatemala’s Petén region, distance, limited access to healthcare providers and language differences can make it harder for families to receive the care they need. Through Operation 100, Operation Smile is strengthening locally led care so more children and families can access comprehensive cleft care closer to home.

Africa

Different Contexts, Common Aspirations: Three Young Leaders Who Are Shaping the Future of Cleft Care

Dr. Tereza Sigaud visits with a patient after surgery.

Global

Meet the Regional Medical Officers Setting the Gold Standard for Cleft Care

Behind every safe cleft surgery is a broader system of care, training and support. Meet three of Operation Smile’s regional medical officers and learn how they help strengthen quality, safety and comprehensive cleft care across countries and regions.

Aron hugs his mom while smiling for the camera.

Global

July, Mouth Swabs and Ancient Egypt: Answering Frequently Asked Questions about Cleft Conditions

In honor of National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, we look at what cleft conditions are, their impact and the path forward.

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.

Peter laughs

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.

Miguel and Margaret look at the camera.

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.

Elliott examines a patient.

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.

Get Involved

You can give a child the chance to grow up happy and healthy — free from stigma and isolation, and full of hope for the future.

More Ways to Get Involved

Make Your Gift

Your gift today will help transform lives and increase access to essential surgical care.

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