For more than 25 years, Operation Smile has been helping children around the world afflicted with facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates. A child born with a facial deformity is mocked and ridiculed. Eating and speaking are difficult. These children often end up totally dependent on their families who may even shut them away, believing they are cursed. Children who grow up with unrepaired cleft lips and cleft palates have difficulty developing social skills or leading productive lives.
Since 1982, Operation Smile's volunteer medical teams have treated more that 115,000 children providing free surgery, medical care and follow up treatment. Now they are going to Madagascar. This is the organization's second medical mission to this country and we are asking that people send messages of hope to the children who will be receiving the corrective surgery. These children are now ostracized and objects of ridicule, but they will soon be able to smile without fear. Won't you help encourage them to smile? Send a message of hope.
THE MESSAGE
Dear [Child],
I send you a message of hope - for a new smile, a new day, a new life. I'm so happy for you!
[Your Comment]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
