This November, from the 8th to the 15th, something amazing is happening in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. We are welcoming 180 children born with cleft conditions and their families for a special surgical program organized by Operation Smile Honduras. These children, just like those in your life, are full of energy and love. They enjoy simple things like colouring, playing “patty-cake,” and blowing bubbles. Sadly, their cleft lip or palate makes life harder for them, causing hardships like bullying and difficulties with speech. These kids can’t wait to get their childhoods back, and with your help, they can!
What Lies Ahead
Thanks to the generous support from Operation Smile Canada, we’re excited to share what this week will look like. Join us as we go through the Honduras Surgical Program!
November 8th: Families Arrive
Traveling to a surgical program can be tough for families in low- and middle-income countries. The costs for travel and lodging can be too much to handle. That’s why, with your help, we provide free transportation and housing for the families attending. On November 8th, we are expecting 180 patients and their families to arrive, ready to settle in and enjoy warm meals that help them feel at home.
November 9th: Health Screening Day
At Operation Smile, the safety of our patients comes first. On this day, our caring medical volunteers will conduct health screenings to make sure each child is healthy enough for surgery. Only those who are strong enough to handle anesthesia and recovery will be chosen for surgery. This careful process ensures that every child gets the right care.
November 10th: Announcements & Team Day
This day is full of mixed feelings. It can be tough when some families can’t move forward to surgery, but we always put the health of the children first. If a child isn’t selected, we stay in touch to help them receive surgery as soon as they can.
The families whose children are selected are filled with both relief and anticipation as their child will undergo surgery in the coming days. Surgeries are scheduled, questions are answered, and families receive important information about what to expect before and after the surgery. Our medical team also makes final plans to ensure high-quality outcomes for all patients.
November 11-15: Surgical Days
The wait is finally over! They will hug their little ones tightly and place their trust in our compassionate team to care for them. In as little as 45 minutes and for only $240, a child’s life can be transformed, giving them a new smile.
When they are reunited with their child, the joy and relief on the parents’ faces are unforgettable. It’s a moment filled with gratitude and happiness as they get to see their child’s brand-new smile for the very first time.
Be Part of the Journey
Your donations to Operation Smile make a huge difference in the lives of children born with cleft conditions. By supporting this program, you can help change the lives of these kids in Honduras and beyond, giving them hope for a brighter future. Every gift can help bring smiles and joy.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we can bring smiles to faces and hope to hearts!
