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Every picture tells a story, and the story behind our pictures includes a special story all its own.
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The life-changing results of cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries shine through in side-by-side pictures of a patient, before and after surgery.
As a photographer for Operation Smile, Marc Ascher has captured the hopes, dreams and dignity of individuals born with a cleft condition for more than 20 years.
But today, we start with a question from Marc's very first Operation Smile mission: Why don't these kids have any toys? In his own words:
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“I was struck that the children who came to the hospital for surgeries had no toys with them. The parents I know can't drive down the street without an arm full of toys. The reason was because the cost locally of a stuffed animal could represent one or two days’ pay for a family. When I returned to the U.S., I would search garage sales and ask friends to help me find acceptable stuffed animal toys to bring with me on the next mission.”
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As a waiting child plays with a new stuffed animal, a knowing glance from his mom to the gift giver.
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One of the things you learn about Operation Smile is that generosity is contagious.
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One woman I worked with showed her seven-year daughter photos of children with a cleft lip or cleft palate on our website. She told her that they didn't have any teddy bears and asked the little girl if she would like to send some of her toys to these children. Her favorite toy was what was called Beanie Babies and she had them hanging in baskets and just about everywhere. The little girl disappeared up to her room.
Just as mom was wondering what was going on, the child appeared with a box packed of dolls. Her mom said to her "These are your favorites". The little girl responded, "I know but if they're my favorites those children will be sure to like them". This very proud mom brought me the little toys and they were on their way to Brazil.
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The child waiting for cleft surgery who received this young girl’s gift may never know who gave the toy, but the act of kindness will be remembered forever. Be a beautiful memory that lasts a lifetime. Your gift will spread 2X the happiness into the lives of children.
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Today, you can perform an act of kindness that will never be forgotten. Please don’t wait. Infants who receive cleft surgery during their first year are at less risk for malnutrition and disease. Today your gift is DOUBLED to create more surgeries for children. Please act now to make 2X the difference in a child’s life.
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I’ve since often traveled to photograph the “after” photos of patients a year or more later. Quite often, children to whom I’d given a doll have it with them. I’m always amazed at the pristine condition they’ve been kept in. It shows the care these gifts have received. It also shows, that much like the new smiles our supporters make possible, these gifts will be treasured forever.
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We provide free surgical care in three ways — through medical missions, hospital partnerships and by a world-wide network of care centers. Almost all the work is done by volunteers.
Volunteers sew and pack our Smile Bags, too. Most of the items inside are donated.
The entire Operation Smile experience is a powerful, uplifting message to a child. They expect that life will be better after surgery. This first gift proves it.
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Thank you for your kindness and compassion, and thank you on behalf of all the children still waiting for the best gift ever.
— Operation Smile
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www.operationsmile.org
3641 Faculty Boulevard,
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
1-888-OPSMILE
(1-888-677-6453)
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