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
Photo: Carlos Rueda.

A Mother’s Love Overcomes Unexpected Challenges

Two months prior to when he was expected, Ethan was born. Worry for her premature baby filled Dayrim with fear and uncertainty, which only intensified when she saw his smile for the first time. 
Global
Global Surgery Fellows Drs. Priyanka Naidu and Zach Collier engage in a Q&A session where they discuss their impact as global health leaders.

Why Research Matters: A Conversation With Operation Smile Global Surgery Fellows

Global Surgery Fellows Drs. Priyanka Naidu and Zach Collier engage in a Q&A session where they discuss their impact as global health leaders.
Global
A young patient and their mother received nutritional support from Operation Smile Madagascar amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient, a toddler with an untreated bilateral cleft lip, is looking directly into the camera while being held by their caregiver, who is wearing a gold beanie, glasses and a bright yellow mask.

Our Year in Review: 2021

While our 2021 fiscal year proved to be another challenging year for our patients, their families and our teams around the world, it was also a year that showcased Operation Smile’s commitment, resilience and adaptiveness.
China
Photo: Peter Stuckings.

Meet Our Patients: Wen Ting and Xiang Cui

Although they were born with cleft conditions in the same country, Wen Ting and Xiang Cui lived two very different lives. Here are their stories.
Morocco
Volunteer psychologist Dr. Chorok Al Hodi during a therapy session with a patient and their mother at the Operation Smile Morocco's comprehensive care center in Casablanca. Photo: Lorenzo Monacelli.

Support That Empowers: Q&A with Volunteer Psychologist Chorok Al Hodi

Volunteer psychologist Chorok Al Hodi supports the mental health and emotional well-being of not only expecting parents but patients who’ve received life-changing cleft surgery.
Dominican Republic
Photo: Carlos Rueda.

A Faded Memory Becomes This Family’s Second Chance

Jonathan and Yaniris were filled with anticipation to meet their son. But that excitement quickly transformed into panic after they saw Jose Luis’ cleft lip. 
Mexico
Photo: Henry Cuicas.

Persevering Through Uncertainty, Tragedy and the Unexpected

VIDEO: While attempting to navigate through the challenges of the pandemic, Valeria once again faced the unexpected. Her daughter, Lilia, was born with a cleft lip.
Rwanda
During a 2021 Rwanda training program, 2-year-old Joshua shares a special moment with his mom Niyigena after surgery. Photo: Jorgen Hildebrandt.

Scenes of Hope and Healing: Kigali Resident Training Program

To help alleviate needless suffering, we're aiming to increase the number of board-certified reconstructive plastic surgeons available to serve Rwanda's population by 2022.
Colombia

Amid Crisis, Healing

Pedro's family fled the crisis in Venezuela with hopes of a better life and cleft surgery in Colombia.

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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