Children smile brighter thanks to the exceptional care and skills that compassionate volunteer nurses bring to every Operation Smile surgical program.
In Colombia, dedicated nurses give their time and talent to Operation Smile, serving as patient educators, caregivers, advocates, while acting as sources of comfort during some of our patients’ most vulnerable moments. United for a shared purpose, these kind nurses help transform the lives of children and families affected by cleft conditions.
Edna, Nurse Leader Changing Lives Since 2017
One of those remarkable volunteers is Edna, who has been changing lives with Operation Smile since 2017. She makes sure every patient feels welcomed from the moment they arrive at a surgical program so that families can feel at ease, reassuring them that they are supported by volunteers who truly care.
As a clinical leader, Edna works closely with the clinical team to coordinate program logistics, partner agreements and patient recruitment. Her behind-the-scenes leadership helps ensure each surgical program runs smoothly, allowing the medical volunteers to focus on delivering life-saving care.
While every program fills her with purpose, Edna balances volunteering as a nurse with the responsibilities of being a single mother.
“Sometimes my children miss having me around,” she shared. “But I have their support, and that of my mom, who is my right-hand woman. Thanks to them, I can continue doing this work.”
Thanks to her family’s support and the generosity of caring partners, Edna’s life-changing service to kids born with cleft conditions remains possible.
A Decade of Service Across Borders with Nelly
Like Edna, volunteer nurse Nelly also dedicated her time and heart to creating new smiles for kids, in Colombia and beyond. Before retiring after 10 years of incredible service, Nelly took her calling across borders, volunteering with Operation Smile in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Mexico and Panama.
“At first, I was scared to go alone, to face other cultures, not knowing how I would be received,” Nelly recalls. “But with each [surgical program], I found strength. I realized that there were people there too with whom I could connect — who welcomed me as part of something bigger.”
Today, Nelly enjoys life at a different pace, caring for her mother and embracing retirement. Yet her connection to Operation Smile remains as strong as it was on day one.
The Power of Nurses and Generous Supporters
Nurses like Edna and Nelly remind us every day of the incredible impact a single act of kindness can have — and how volunteering for a good cause can change lives, including your own.
When generous partners give, volunteer nurses can continue bringing new smiles and brighter futures to children around the world. With your support, these transformational surgical programs can reach even more families, bringing hope closer to home.
