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.

United States
Fifteen-year-old Willy Sikora plays the violin.

“Every little thing you do is making a difference”

By sharing his story, Willy Sikora creates a ripple effect that spreads determination and hope to others born with cleft conditions.
Philippines
Wearing the signature lime green T-shirt, Women in Medicine volunteer team takes a team photo in Cebu City, Philippines, before the start of the Oct. 2022 all-women's program.

Expanding Opportunities for Women in Medicine

During our fifth Women in Medicine surgical program, 60 volunteers came together and changed the lives of 55 patients in the same country where Operation Smile began 40 years ago.
Honduras
Wearing a red shirt, speech pathologist Gloria Vilches hugs 5-year-old Josue during a 2017 Operation Smile Honduras surgical program at San Felipe Hospital in Tegucigalpa.

The Motivation That Moves Her: Q&A with Speech Pathologist Gloria Vilches

In this Q&A, Gloria Vilches explains why her work is vital for patients before and after cleft surgery as well as where her passion to serve others originated from while growing up.
Malawi
Standing in front of a white wall, nonmedical volunteer and Operation Smile patient Carol Chigona smile wide for the camera.

Carol’s Wish

In her free time between teaching and working toward completing her master’s degree, Carol Chigona serves as an Operation Smile Malawi volunteer. Her wish for children like herself is that they refuse to let anyone tell them that they deserve less out of life.
Bolivia
During a 2018 surgical program in Bolivia, volunteer cleft surgeon Dr. Carlos Dorado wears an orange Operation Smile T-shirt as he screens 14-month-old Damian. Damian wears a blue take top while he sits on his mom's lap.

His Path of Hope: Q&A with Surgeon Dr. Carlos Dorado

In this Q&A with Dr. Carlos Dorado, we discovered which patient stories have impacted him most throughout his time with Operation Smile as well as why he believes people must actively work at creating more moments of kindness for the families he meets on our surgical programs.
Bolivia
Photo: Margherita Mirabella.

A Grandmother’s Everlasting Love

Claudina knew that her 16-year-old daughter, Wara, had a high-risk pregnancy. But she never imagined the series of events that would ultimately unfold.
Guatemala
Wearing a yellow and blue long-sleeved flannel shirt, Dilan stands outside his red front door of his home and shows off his new smile two years after receiving cleft lip surgery.

See This Mom Conquer Her Fears As She Seeks Help for Her Son

Sandy once feared the possibility of her son receiving surgery. But after connecting with Operation Smile, her perception changed. “I felt confident, welcomed by all. I trust you. I know he’s in excellent hands.”
Colombia
Thirteen-year-old Laura from Colombia stands in front of a green wall holding both of her "before" images.

Laura’s Lifelong Journey of Care

By the age of 12, Laura had undergone more surgeries than some adults have in their entire lives. But throughout her cleft care journey, she found comfort and confidence during her visits to Operation Smile Colombia’s care center. 
Global
A family walks from home down a long dirt road surrounded by green trees and shrubs on either side of the road. They are walking to their nearest hospital where they can find care and information about Operation Smile.

Health for All: Transcending Borders

Our Transcending Borders signature initiative strives to create more resilient and inclusive health systems that serve the needs of patients with cleft conditions regardless of their immigration statuses.

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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