From hurt to healing: Efren’s emotional change
Editor’s Note: The Philippines holds a special place in the history – and future – of our organization. It was there that Dr. Bill Magee, a plastic surgeon, and his…
Patient Stories
Philippines
As if he didn’t have a name
Editor’s Note: The Philippines holds a special place in the history – and future – of our organization. It was there that Dr. Bill Magee, a plastic surgeon, and his…
Morocco
After 34 years, Moroccan man receives surgery
At 34 years old, Abdellah has grown accustomed to the teasing and long stares. His whole life he has been treated differently because of his small cleft lip. He never…
Philippines
On a mission to spread smiles
In the Philippines, 5-year-old Niño is playful, energetic and makes everyone around him laugh with his games and smiles. His mother says she’s happy Niño has been surrounded by a…
Paraguay
In Paraguay, an ultrasound raises alarm
During a routine ultrasound in her final trimester, the doctors told Karen her baby would be born with a facial deformity although they didn’t tell her what it could be.…
Rwanda
In Rwanda, a mother’s quest to help her son
Judith’s trials in life started long before she gave birth to her son. She was an orphan and struggled to find the means to feed herself. She had her son, Alejandro, at…
Honduras
Starving for food, starving for attention
Esdras Mendoza looked like a newborn at just 4.9 kilograms, or about 10 pounds. I locked eyes with him in passing and instantly fell in love. It wasn’t until later…
Nicaragua
The gift of love in the form of a smile
The moment when a mother sees her newborn baby for the first time is a joyous, special occasion. However, sometimes there are instances when that special moment is followed by…