Ryan, a dedicated Operation Smile Canada ambassador and Johnson & Johnson employee, actively volunteers and fundraises to support our mission. His efforts earned him the opportunity to attend a surgical program in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where he witnessed the life-changing impact of our work. Below, he shares his personal reflections on that experience. We’re grateful for his support and excited to share his story.
In November 2024, as a reward for my fundraising efforts in support of Operation Smile, I had the unique opportunity to participate in one of their surgical programs in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. When I learned I would be part of this program, I felt an excitement unlike anything I had experienced before. I was eager to learn more about Operation Smile, the individuals they care for, and the conditions they treat, such as cleft lips and cleft palates.
A fellow volunteer and I arrived in Tegucigalpa late one evening, where we were warmly greeted at the airport by two Operation Smile Canada employees, Julia and Susan. They ensured we arrived at the hotel in time for the initial meeting with the volunteers participating in the program. During this meeting, I was introduced to members of the medical volunteer team from Canada, the U.S. ambassador to Honduras, and other important Honduran officials. It was moving to witness the level of support for this program and the deep sense of pride among those involved.
For some, it was their first time volunteering, while others have dedicated years to this cause. In a world that can often feel divided, it was inspiring to see a group of skilled professionals setting aside time to work together toward a shared goal—helping others.
Health Evaluation Day: A Critical First Step
The program began with health evaluation day, a long and emotional process for patients and their families. Many had traveled great distances and arrived early in the morning to begin the journey toward surgery. Each patient went through several departments including registration, dental, nursing, speech therapy, surgery, and anesthesiology.
I was introduced to a patient and had the privilege of accompanying him through each stage. This allowed me to learn more about him and to understand the role of each department in terms of the patient’s care. Unfortunately, he was found to have a cold, making him ineligible for surgery at that time. While disappointing, Operation Smile ensures that families understand why surgery must be postponed and reassures them that their child will have another chance when they are healthy. Since Spanish was the primary language spoken, I was grateful for the volunteers and staff who took the time to translate.
Connecting with Families
Later, I joined other non-medical volunteers to visit the patient shelter, where families stayed while awaiting surgery day. We had a lot of fun—we prepared and served traditional baleadas (flour tortillas filled with beans and cheese). We also spent time interacting with patients, listening to their stories, and learning how Operation Smile had changed their lives.
The gratitude among these families was overwhelming. Seeing firsthand the impact of volunteers and fundraisers reinforced how much this work matters.
Witnessing Life-Changing Surgeries
One of the most memorable moments of my experience was witnessing cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. On the first day of surgery, I dressed in scrubs and stepped into an operating room for the first time. A Canadian surgeon I had met earlier welcomed me warmly and assured me she was happy to answer any questions.
Positioned right beside her, I had an unobstructed view of every measurement, incision, and stitch. I observed four surgeries that day, asking questions throughout to deepen my understanding. I also spoke with an anesthesiologist, who provided a detailed explanation of her role in the operating room.
Watching these dedicated medical professionals perform surgery after surgery was awe-inspiring. Throughout the procedure, it was hard not to look at the patient and think about how it would change their life—giving them a new smile, improving their ability to eat and speak, and opening doors to a new beginning.
Post-Surgery: The Road to Recovery
In the days that followed, I spent time with patients, keeping them entertained as they recovered from their surgeries. We coloured together, played with toys, and simply shared moments of joy.
One particularly impactful experience was visiting a patient’s home, where I learned about some of the hardships and challenges many families face, and how Operation Smile changed their lives—for which they are eternally grateful.
A Journey That Changed Me
Beyond my time in the hospital and with patients, I also had the chance to explore Tegucigalpa, visiting local landmarks, national parks, and markets. The Operation Smile team went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience, both in and outside the hospital.
Volunteering with Operation Smile was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the power of compassion and the impact of giving back. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity and hope that many others will be inspired to support this life-changing work—whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness.
How You Can Make a Difference
Seeing firsthand how a single surgery can change a child’s life has reinforced how essential the support of donors and volunteers truly is. Operation Smile’s work is only possible because of the generosity of our donors. Whether you’re making a donation, fundraising, or volunteering, you can help create more smiles and brighter futures.
Together, we can change lives—one smile at a time.
