You wake up before dawn, your heart racing with nervous anticipation. Today is the day. Clutching your child’s tiny hand, you step into the cool morning air and make your way to Hospital Japonés in Santa Cruz. You are not alone—other parents, holding their children close, walk alongside you. Some wear hopeful smiles, others look anxious, mirroring your own emotions.
At the hospital, the first stop is the registration desk. A volunteer welcomes you warmly, handing you a numbered ticket. You grip it tightly—it represents order in a day filled with uncertainty.
Next comes triage, where doctors assess whether your child is healthy enough to continue through the process. You hold your breath as they check for any signs of illness. A simple cold could mean rescheduling for another time, a heartbreaking thought after traveling so far. Relief washes over you as the doctor nods, and your child moves forward in the process.
The day unfolds station by station. The dental team takes a look at your child’s teeth, while the nutritionist discusses their diet, ensuring they are strong enough for surgery. A speech therapist listens carefully as your child speaks, checking for any challenges they might face after surgery. Through it all, volunteers keep little hands busy—colouring, blowing bubbles, and playing games to ease the tension.
The moment of truth arrives at the medical evaluation station. A team of specialists, including a surgeon and anesthesiologist, gathers to discuss your child’s case. They ask questions, review records, and assess what’s needed. You squeeze your child’s hand, whispering a silent prayer. Then, the words you’ve longed to hear: Your child has been scheduled for surgery.
Tears of relief fill your eyes as you embrace your child. The journey isn’t over, but the path forward is clearer than ever. Thanks to Operation Smile and the dedicated volunteers, your child is one step closer to a brighter future—one filled with more than just hope, but real, tangible healing.
A Life-Changing Impact
This experience is just one of many during Operation Smile’s surgical program in Bolivia. Every family receiving the news that their child is not yet able to be scheduled is then closely followed by the Operation Smile team to ensure they have what they need to achieve optimal health for surgery.
Between March 22-28, a dedicated team of 94 volunteers came together to provide surgery, comprehensive care, and training. Over 190 patients arrived for health evaluations, with 99 people receiving essential care in psychology, dentistry, nutrition, and speech therapy. By the end of the program, 64 patients were scheduled for life-changing surgeries.
Operation Smile’s newly implemented evaluation process made this journey smoother for families, reducing wait times and ensuring a more comfortable experience. Instead of long days filled with repeated examinations, patients were seen by a team of specialists at one station, fostering connection and continuity of care.
Every child deserves a chance to smile, and with your support, we can continue making that a reality. Thanks to your generosity and the dedication of medical volunteers, more children in Bolivia are receiving the care they need—giving them not only a new smile but a brighter future.
