I created my fundraising page to help raise money for an amazing organization called Operation Smile!

Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Many of these children are unable to receive the medical care they need because it is too costly, far away, or too specialized. Because of this, being born with a cleft condition can be fatal.

While a cleft surgery can cost as little as $240 and take as few as 45 minutes, the impact of that surgery and the subsequent comprehensive care provided changes that child’s life, and ensures basic surgery is available close to home – for everyone who lives there.

Operation Smile creates solutions that deliver safe surgery to people where it’s needed most.

By joining Trek for Smiles and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in September a small group of us will trek about 80km over eight days to an elevation of 5'895 metres. Everyone partaking in this trek is commiting to raising a minimum of 2'500CHF.

What makes this endeavor extra special, beyond the physical challenge, is that Tanzania is a new entry country for Operation Smile. The funds raised through Trek for Smiles will not only deliver safe, effective and timely surgery and specialized care, it will provide essential support focused on training and educating local healthcare workers.

On a more personal note. If you know me, you know I love to challenge myself. Not only will this be one of the biggest physical challenges I am trying but it is also the first time I can support such an incredible fundraiser!I am looking forward to physically challenging myself but also pushing myself to socially promote this and raise as much money as I can! Thank you in advance for supporting this journey and this organization Operation Smile!