The popular adage "A smile is worth a thousand words" may be true for some. Unfortunately for kids with a cleft palate and a lip deformity, forming a smile in their mouths is close to impossible; conveying what they need to say - and feel - seems difficult. But with the help of Mr. Roberto Manzano, president of Operation Smile Philippines and Dr. Laurence T. Loh, volunteer doctor for the private and non-profit organization, these smiles are now close to home.
"We are aiming to give back to the children of the country," says Mr. Manzano. "We are giving the gift of a brand new surgery and the gift of smile to 15,000 children."
Dr. Loh agrees, "Life is more meaningful when God-given abilities and the skills you've developed are put into good use. I have a particular sense of advocacy for the kids of Operation Smile because it only takes over 20 minutes to perform a surgery that would change their lives. I intend to give back."
This year marks a milestone for Operation Smile. Now on its 30th year, the organization has been changing lives and healing humanity. Since its inception in 1982, Operation Smile Philippines has done over 24,000 free reconstructive surgeries to underprivileged Filipino children, while Operation Smile International volunteers have provided free reconstructive surgery to over 200,000 children and young adults around the world, and thousands of health care professionals have been trained globally.
This year marks a milestone for Operation Smile. Now on its 30th year, the organization has been changing lives and healing humanity. Since its inception in 1982, Operation Smile Philippines has done over 24,000 free reconstructive surgeries to underprivileged Filipino children, while Operation Smile International volunteers have provided free reconstructive surgery to over 200,000 children and young adults around the world, and thousands of health care professionals have been trained globally.
For this year Operation Smile Philippines is set to visit eight key cities in the country: Naga, San Fernando in Pampanga, Cagayan de Oro, Silay City in Negros Occidental, Sta. Ana in Manila, Cavite, Cebu and General Santos City. The high incidences of clef palate is in the Bicol region and the Mindanao area.
The cost for the surgery is P100,000 but with Operation Smile's free services, the unit cost for all equipment needed, volunteers transportation fees and others is only P15,000.
With that Operation Smile is indeed more than an advocacy. This is a movement of volunteers wanting to change lives and the community - one smile at a time.
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