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
Samuel before surgery. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

The Life He Always Deserved Began After 18 Years

Since receiving cleft surgery, Samuel’s happiness and fulfillment stems from his friends, his job and how people treat him – a sharp contrast from how he spent his childhood.
Global
As part of a collaboration with the humanitarian INGO Medair and UNICEF, Operation Smile participated in the distribution of water, sanitation and hygiene kits for 500 vulnerable households in the town of Tamatave, one of Madagascar's COVID-19 hotspots. Photo: Eddy Kevin.

Celebrating Global Handwashing Day: Q&A with Nutrition Consultant Emily LaRose

Our nutrition consultant shares how simple hygiene and sanitation practices, such as handwashing, can be life-saving for the families and patients we serve.
United States
Photo courtesy of Katie Cole.

Action Inspired by Impact: Q&A with Katie Cole

A former patient of Dr. Bill Magee embodies her gratitude through service to children like herself and families affected by cleft conditions.
Global
World Smile Day

Celebrating World Smile Day 2021

Today is World Smile Day, but we've been celebrating the stories and smiles of our patients all week long.
Madagascar
Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

Two Lives Transformed by One New Smile

Inspired by her granddaughter's cleft care journey, Manuelle aims transform the lives of more families affected by cleft.
Global
Photo: Lorenzo Monacelli.

Ensuring Patient Safety on a Global Scale: Q&A with Dr. Bryan Zimmerman

In honor of World Patient Safety Day, we share this Q&A of an unsung hero who's responsible for safeguarding the health and well-being of Operation Smile's patients, volunteers and staff.
United States
Photo: John Streit.

These High School Artists Create a Lasting Promise in Their Community

For these high school students, a dolphin statue not only represents iconic staples of their city, but recognizes a promise to support children born with cleft conditions.
United States
Operation Smile global ambassador Pritika Swarup shares a smile with a young patient during a 2019 medical program in Nampula, Mozambique. Operation Smile Photo - Zeke du Plessis

Q&A: Operation Smile Global Ambassador Pritika Swarup Launches Prakti Beauty Brand

As her international beauty brand, Prakti, debuts on the world stage, Pritika Swarup remains passionate about her role as an Operation Smile global ambassador.
Egypt
Operation Smile photo.

Libyan Children Receive Life-Changing Cleft Care in Egypt: Q&A with Regional Director Dr. Mohamed El-Shazly

VIDEO: Amid political turmoil in Libya, Operation Smile Egypt welcomed nearly 30 patients from Libya who were born with cleft conditions.

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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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