A second chance to smile
Energetic and talkative, Bui loved preschool. As he bounced around the playground in his rural Vietnamese community, the 3-year-old paid no mind to his cleft lip while playing ball games…
Patient Stories
Nicaragua
When all seems lost, hope appears
Shocked and heartbroken when her baby Valeska was born with a cleft lip, Zorida received more discouraging news within the first moments of her daughter’s life. No sooner than learning…
Rwanda
Enok’s path
Enok remembers being jeered, mocked, chased by packs of children and having people recoil in disgust at his cleft lip. While his memories echo the stories of thousands of Operation…
Ethiopia
Overcoming her obstacles
Editor’s Note: As we acknowledge the emergent situation unfolding in Ethiopia, we wish for the safety and well-being of everyone in the country and hope that the situation will soon…
Philippines
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…
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…
