New Smiles and New Futures

Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing free cleft care to patients for more than 40 years — all thanks to the caring support of people just like you

Pedro holds his before photo.

Pedro’s Story of Hope

Pedro is like any child you know — a loving brother, a playful friend, a helpful son to his mother Marbelis. Pedro’s family came to Colombia after being displaced from their home in Venezuela and because they had little resources, Marbelis worried she would never be able to get treatment for her son. Then, she learned about Operation Smile’s surgical program in Colombia where Pedro could receive a free cleft repair surgery. The possibility of a new future for Pedro was finally in sight. Today, after surgery, Pedro’s new smile can express to the world the happy little boy he has always been. His future is brighter — other children with cleft conditions are still waiting for the hope you can help provide today

Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition.

Many of these children live in regions of the world without access to the safe cleft surgery and care they need.

Left untreated, a child’s cleft condition can make it difficult to eat, speak and live a life of dignity. That’s why Operation Smile works together with communities worldwide to expand access to cleft care.

Make Your Gift

You can donate today to help Operation Smile provide free, life-changing cleft surgeries and care.

We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality health care.

Your support enables Operation Smile to bring safe surgery and comprehensive care that includes nutritional support, speech therapy, orthodontics, psychosocial support and more. In addition, your support enables training and educational programs to enhance health care systems in the places we work.

Nutrition

Infants with cleft conditions can struggle with nursing and feeding, which can lead to malnutrition. Operation Smile provides global nutrition programs to ensure surgical patients get the support they need for optimal growth and development.

Oral Health

Oral health care is a vital component of the as complete as possible care provided by Operation Smile. By integrating oral health care into our comprehensive cleft care model, Operation Smile aims to enhance the overall well-being of our patients, ensuring that their dental health is prioritized alongside surgical and nutritional needs.

Psychosocial Care

At Operation Smile, we provide whole-person, developmentally appropriate care that is family-centered and culturally sensitive. Our psychosocial support aims to address not only the emotional and psychological needs of our patients but also to empower families throughout the healing process. By fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, we help children and their families navigate the complexities of living with a cleft condition, promoting resilience and overall well-being.

Speech Care

Many children with cleft conditions may feel self-conscious about their speech or struggle to articulate certain sounds. Through speech therapy, these children can achieve more than just improved communication; they can form deeper connections with their families, friends and communities. Our specialized speech therapy programs are designed to enhance their verbal skills, fostering confidence and promoting meaningful interactions that enrich their lives and relationships.

Surgery

Every child deserves safe surgery and care. For patients who receive cleft surgery, a new life can begin a life that’s free from stigma and filled with the hope for a brighter future.

Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.

Get Involved

You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

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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