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.

Guatemala
Leyda and her mom sit across from one another and share a special moment looking into each other's eyes before it's time for Leyda to enter the operating room. Before her sixth attempt at cleft lip surgery, Leyda arrived with her mom to Escuintla, Guatemala, with hopes of finally leaving with a new smile.

Serving More People in More Places: Operation Smile Champion Program

Piloted in Escuintla, Guatemala, the Operation Smile Champion Program brought together experienced volunteers to educate Guatemalan mentees with the goal of helping more families access timely cleft care.
Brazil
During a surgical program in Santarem, Brazil, Fredy sleeps soundly in his hospital bed following his cleft lip surgery.

“His surgery was the best gift ever”

A once exciting ultrasound appointment quickly took a turn in a way that Naira never imagined.
Malawi
Wearing a surgical gown, Julita plays with a ball in the arms of pre- and post-operative nurse Donald Mlombwa of Malawi while psycosocial care provider Cathy Cheonga of Malawi helps them feel familiar with an anesthesia mask during an Operation Smile Malawi surgical program in 2022.

Helping Heal Through Therapeutic Play: Q&A with Psychosocial Care Provider Cathy Cheonga

In this Q&A, Cathy Cheonga shares what drives her to help patients and parents overcome the challenges they face as well as what ambitions she has for Operation Smile Malawi.
Ghana
After living 66 years with an untreated cleft lip, Iddrisah shows off his new smile while holding a "before" image of himself two years after receiving surgery from Operation Smile Ghana.

Before Discovering Surgery, Iddrisah Finds Love

Although Iddrisah doesn’t precisely remember what his bullies said to him growing up, he still recalls the exact moment he first laid eyes on the woman who would eventually become his wife. 
Bolivia
A close up shot of Nora moving in to kiss Damian on the cheek while he smiles widely before receiving surgery.

A Radio Announcement Reaches This Hopeful Family

Losing hope wasn’t an option for Nora after seeing her son’s cleft lip for the first time. Despite the fear she felt, her love for Damian overpowered everything else.
India
Six-month-old Dilfa wears a white surgical gown while being comforted by a medical volunteer in blue scrubs during an Operation Smile India surgical program.

Centered Around a New Beginning

See how Operation Smile India continues to strengthen its community outreach programs and bring cleft care closer to the homes of more families and patients like Dilfa.
Guatemala
National registry coordinator Paola Arroyave wears a black Operation Smile shirt while she sits beside care center coordinator Rosa Solares, who is wearing a teal Operation Smile Guatemala during a surgical program in Guatemala City.

Creating Hopeful Connections: Q&A with National Registry Coordinator Paola Arroyave

By enhancing its ability to learn about potential patients as soon as they are born, Operation Smile Guatemala helps more children begin their cleft care journeys weeks after their birth versus years.
Malawi
Mina, before surgery, wears a stripped shirt and blue jacket while standing beneath a tent for screening during a 2015 surgical program in Malawi. Photo: Margherita Mirabella.

A Smile That Will Last a Lifetime

A decade of worry and uncertainty leads to a lifetime of happiness and healing for Mina and her family.
Brazil

A Father’s Promise Fulfilled

Operation Smile Brazil made it possible for Iranildo to honor his promise of providing his daughter, Antonia, with cleft surgery.

Make Your Gift

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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