100 Kids Smile For The First Time

Summary

The video highlights the work of Operation Smile, an organization providing life-changing surgeries to children born with cleft lip and palate, particularly in underserved areas. It follows the emotional journey of a father, Jerónimo, and his son Emmanuel, who travels 17 hours for the chance of surgery. Operation Smile has performed over 400,000 surgeries worldwide, offering free medical care to children who face bullying and social isolation. The video underscores the impact of these surgeries and the organization's commitment to improving lives, including offering speech therapy and scholarships to former patients.

Takeaways

• 👶 Over 200,000 children are born each year with cleft lip or palate, which makes smiling and breathing difficult.
• 🌍 99% of people are born with the ability to breathe properly, but 1% face challenges due to cleft conditions.
• 💔 In poor regions, many children with clefts cannot access surgery, leading to bullying and social isolation.
• 💪 Operation Smile, founded 40 years ago, has successfully performed over 400,000 surgeries in 36 countries.
• 🇲🇽 In Mexico, cleft cases are rising, and families struggle to afford surgeries, requiring additional support.
• 🚶‍♂️ Jerónimo, a single father from Chiapas, traveled 17 hours by bus to Puebla, hoping for a surgery for his son, Emmanuel.
• 💉 Emmanuel was born with a bilateral cleft palate, and his family feared they wouldn't be selected for surgery.
• 🎉 Jerónimo’s son was selected as patient 99, bringing great relief and hope to the family.
• 💖 Operation Smile also provides free speech and vocal therapy to help children speak clearly after surgery.
• 🎓 The organization offers scholarships, such as to a nursing student, Fernanda, who was treated by Operation Smile 17 years ago.

Q & A

What is the main issue highlighted in the video?

The video focuses on children born with cleft lip and palate, a condition that affects their ability to smile and breathe properly. It also highlights the challenges these children face, especially in poorer areas where access to healthcare is limited.

How common is the cleft lip or palate condition?

Around 1% of children are born with a cleft lip or palate, which makes life difficult for them as they grow up.

What organization is actively working to help children with cleft lips and palates?

Operation Smile is the organization making a significant difference by providing free surgeries to children with cleft lips and palates around the world.

How did Operation Smile begin?

Operation Smile started 40 years ago when Kathy and her husband were asked to visit the Philippines. They saw 300 children with cleft lips and palates but could only help 40. This experience motivated them to establish Operation Smile.

How many surgeries has Operation Smile completed, and in how many countries?

Over the past 40 years, Operation Smile has completed more than 400,000 successful surgeries for patients in 36 countries.

Why is the cleft lip and palate issue particularly urgent in Mexico?

In Mexico, the number of cleft cases is increasing rapidly, making it difficult for local organizations to manage alone. Many families cannot afford the expensive healthcare needed to treat this condition.

Who is Jerónimo, and what challenge did he face?

Jerónimo is a single father from Chiapas, Mexico, whose son Emmanuel was born with a bilateral cleft palate. Due to his limited income, Jerónimo had to travel 17 hours by bus to Puebla for the chance to get free surgery for his son.

What emotions did Jerónimo experience during the surgery selection process?

Jerónimo felt extremely anxious, fearing that his son might not be selected. However, when Emmanuel was chosen as patient number 99, Jerónimo was visibly relieved and emotional.

How does Operation Smile support patients beyond surgery?

In addition to surgeries, Operation Smile provides patients with free speech and vocal therapy to help them speak clearly and fluently.

What special surprise was given to Fernanda, and why?

Fernanda, a nursing student who received treatment from Operation Smile 17 years ago, was given a full scholarship to complete her nursing school as a way of helping her fulfill her dream of assisting children with cleft conditions.