Story submitted by Diya and Brennan
When we came across Operation Smile, the first thought we had was why kids just like us faced unfair challenges. We felt compassion for these kids and realized those feelings made us the lucky ones. Without the incredible work of Operation Smile, these kids could live their whole lives facing an unjust challenge, and we wondered how that was fair. Though the harsh reality is that it wasn’t fair, what’s incredible is that Operation Smile exists to reduce the challenges of people born with cleft lip and palate, and lucky kids like us are able to make a difference through the student volunteer programs with Operation Smile. We understood that it was easy for us to be compassionate and that we could leave a lasting impact by getting involved through volunteering. In the end, we discovered that we could be successful in volunteering through releasing our expectations of what is fair and not, and dealing with the situation in front of us.
Our journey began by organizing fundraisers for Operation Smile, starting with a stand where we sold food during local festivals. Through these fundraisers, we were able to spread awareness about the substantial impact that cleft conditions have on the lives of affected children. We were passionate about the belief that safe surgery should be a universal human right and became further inspired by witnessing the degree of empathy and support from others toward this cause.
Our time volunteering for Operation Smile became a life-changing experience when we were able to go to a surgical program in Colombia. We are forever grateful to Operation Smile for allowing us to observe the difference they made during their Champions Program in La Guajira. Our trip began with us visiting the Operation Smile office, also known as “The Little House”, in Bogotá, Colombia, where we received a very warm and friendly welcome from their team. We toured the building, where we were able to sit in on speech therapy sessions and join in the smile choir which played a key role in boosting the children’s confidence. After a day at The Little House, we traveled north of Bogotá to La Guajira where the surgical program was taking place. The day before going to the site of the program, we delivered groceries to the home of a patient named Harlan where we were able to talk to him and his family about the impact Operation Smile has had on them. On our final day, we got to observe the entire process that the children and their families go through at the hospital. We began by playing with the children before the surgery alongside Child Life Specialists, then we were able to observe four surgeries and witnessed the children being reunited with their parents post–operation. 
Through this experience, we learned that Operation Smile’s care extends further than the surgery, demonstrating the true connection they have with their patients. Taking the step to volunteer with Operation Smile has taught us to become members of the community who can take initiative and demonstrate attentive care for others. We are excited and proud to continue volunteering for Operation Smile. 
Author Bios:
Diya Mangat is a grade 12 student who is currently attending The Country Day School in King City, Ontario. She is passionate about continuing to raise awareness and funds for Operation Smile within her school and community. Brennan Mangat is currently in his first year of medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland after being inspired by Operation Smile’s ability to care for patients.
