About Our Trek

We are deeply passionate about Operation Smile’s mission to transform the lives of individuals living with a cleft condition.  The child with cleft leads us back to their community and shows the world that they have little hope of getting basic surgery or care, simply because of where they were born. 

This volunteer-delivered global team has provided urgently needed surgical care to over 360,000 people worldwide living with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial differences.

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.

Consider signing up for a new challenge to take your support to the next level - both literally and figuratively - by joining Trek for Smiles and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2025.  A small group will trek about 80km over eight days to an elevation of 5'895 m .

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.

We can’t do this Trek alone.  We need to raise as much money as possible to help children waiting for the day, they too will have their surgery.  The trip is open to anyone who commits to raising a minimum of $2,500.

Please consider any support you can pledge to the Trek for Smiles campaign. Simply click the “Donate to a Fundraiser” button to make a tax-deductible donation by credit card. 

With love and gratitude to you all!

Marita, Geoffrey, Marc & Didier