For those of you who have never heard of Operation Smile it is a great not-for-profit organization that organizes volunteers who team up to medically improve the lives of children who were born with facial deformities. The non profit was begun by Dr. William P. Magee, Jr. who is a plastic surgeon and his wife.
Together he and his wife Kathleen S. Magee, who is a nurse and clinical social worker, put their skills into practice since 1982, working towards helping improve the life conditions of children who have been impacted by cleft palates and other facial deformities. For a relatively low cost of approximately $240.00 a child’s life can be radically changed. The impact of this life changing operation can not be praised enough. Improving a child or young adult’s self esteem is invaluable to the quality of life they will have. Many people who are born with facial deformities endure physical and emotional hardships due to the mistreatment from others. Building up children and their families by bringing this kind of health services to them that they could not possibly afford on their own is a major humanitarian contribution.
Operation Smile has grown to include a large volume of volunteers who labor to bring health and happiness to those who receive the benefit of it’s services. At this point, over 26 countries are considered partner countries who are actively working with Operation Smile. Their headquarters are located in Norfolk, Virginia. They have offices around the world to educate and bring awareness of their cause and in those offices they work to raise funds to pay for the charitable works that they do.
If you are interested in donating either your medical skills, your time, or fundraising abilities or even donating money here is the number to call 1-888-OPSMILE (888-677-6453) . In Norfolk they also bring children to America to receive care on scholarships that they might not be able to receive in their own country for the more complicated surgeries. Training is also provided for those with medical skills who wish to advance their specialized skills for work in the area of facial deformities.
Cindy McCain, a philanthropist and businesswoman has been on Operation Smile’s board of directors for some time. She has worked with this organization since 2001; long before her husband, Senator John McCain became a Republican presidential hopeful for the 2008 election.
If her husband’s run for the presidency brings some attention and focus on her work with Operation Smile; I don’t think that Cincy McCain will mind. That focus may bring more medically skilled volunteers as well as donations of money that will help Operation Smile to continue bringing, hope and help to those in need. http://www.operationsmile.org/ Is there a willingness in your heart to help or to donate to this great organization? https://www.operationsmile.org/help/donate/
Write where you are 