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Mike Doyle

Every 3 minutes, a child is born somewhere in the world with a cleft lip or cleft palate. As few as 7 percent of children living with an unrepaired cleft condition could survive to reach late adolescence. Those who survive may have difficulty eating, speaking, hearing or breathing properly. In some places, they are shunned and rejected. And in too many cases, their parents can't afford the surgeries they need to live a productive life.

That's where Operation Smile comes in as the largest volunteer-based medical charity providing free cleft surgeries in low- and middle-income countries. Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries for children and young adults through the selfless dedication of our medical volunteers from around the world. Their work creates a lasting global impact. Operation Smile also trains local doctors in developing countries and strengthens health care systems so more children in some of the poorest areas of the world can be treated.

I believe that every child deserves access to safe, quality surgical care and am excited to support Operation Smile's 2019 Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge in Park City this month. Please join me in supporting this great charity and reaching my goal of providing 10 surgeries for children! In as little as 45 minutes, a cleft lip surgery can change a child's life forever. How many lives can we change together?

About Operation Smile

Operation Smile is an international medical charity that has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries for children and young adults in developing countries who are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities. It is one of the oldest and largest volunteer-based organizations dedicated to improving the health and lives of children worldwide through access to surgical care.

Since 1982, Operation Smile has developed expertise in mobilizing volunteer medical teams to conduct surgical missions in resource-poor environments while adhering to the highest standards of care and safety. Operation Smile helps to fill the gap in providing access to safe, well-timed surgeries by partnering with hospitals, governments and ministries of health, training local medical personnel, and donating much-needed supplies and equipment to surgical sites around the world.

Founded and based in Virginia, U.S., Operation Smile has extended its global reach to more than 60 countries through its network of credentialed surgeons, pediatricians, doctors, nurses, and student volunteers. For more information, visit https://www.operationsmile.org.