Operation Smile was founded in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee, Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker. Operation Smile was launched with its first mission to the Philippines in 1982. Operation Smile currently supports missions to more than 30 sites in 20 developing countries. The organization's volunteers have medically treated tens of thousands of children and young adults around the world and in the United States. Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, has 26 domestic chapters and 18 international foundations.

Operation Smile Domestic Medical Programs began in New York City and are now active in many U.S. cities. Operation Smile sponsors surgery and anesthesia fellowships in order to provide physicians with clinical and leadership training. Since 1992, 16 international physicians have participated in the fellowship program. Operation Smile's Domestic Medical Program assists children in need throughout the U.S.

Call toll-free:
1-877-SMILE50. or visit www.operationsmile.org

Brigid Nanjala - Kenya

Brigid Nanjala was 13 years old and living in Kaptrit, a small village near Kitale in western Kenya, when her family learned Operation Smile doctors would be providing surgery at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital in Nakuru. Brigid was born with a cleft lip, and other children were afraid of her.

Her parents did not have the money for surgery, nor did they even know that the repair of Brigid’s lip was possible. Their neighbor, Joseph Zewedi, told Brigid’s family about Operation Smile’s visit. He also started a collection in the village to raise the money - about $3.50 - for a one-way bus ticket to Nakuru. Joseph raised the money, and he and Brigid began their eight-hour journey to Nakuru.

Account taken from Operation Smile website