Operation Smile

Operation Smile brings together health professionals with the public and private sectors to provide voluntary care to improve the quality of life for the children, families and communities that share in the Operation Smile experience.

In 20 years, Operation Smile's volunteers have provided free reconstructive surgery to tens of thousands of children and young adults in more than 20 developing countries and the United States, bringing them new hope and new lives. To recognize the outstanding contributions Operation Smile has made to alleviate human suffering, the first Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize was awarded to Operation Smile in 1996. In 1999, Operation Smile was awarded the Kellog's Hannah Neil World of Children Award, the first and only international award to recognize those who selflessly commit themselves to children. For nine weeks in 1999, Operation Smile conducted World Journey of Hope '99 Ð the largest-ever surgical mission dedicated to correcting cleft lips and cleft palates Ðbringing care to more than 5,000 children in 18 countries and the United States.

Through our International Foundation's and Domestic Chapter's efforts, Operation Smile's thousands of volunteers work tirelessly to change the lives of tens of thousands of children and young adults suffering from devastating facial deformities. The U.S. Care Network serves as a referral site for U.S. patients. Medical training and continuing education has been provided to 10,000 health care professionals at home and abroad. Patients who require intensive reconstructive surgery for severe deformities are brought to the United States for surgery as World Care patients. Student programs teach hundreds of youth the values of caring, service, leadership and education.

Heaven's Playground will be donation a portion of the proceeds of its High School Heaven Tournament to Operation Smile in 2004.

Contact Information:

Operation Smile
6435 Tidewater Drive
Norfolk, VA 23509

phone: (757) 321-7645

fax: (757) 321-7660

www.operationsmile.org