Vanity Affair Events had the most beautiful experience with Operation Smile and shared the following snippet on how this organization is impacting Africa. I can’t think of a better organization to support with your wedding day.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a massive and beautiful country in the heart of Africa. It is also war torn, impoverished, politically unstable and one of the most dangerous sites visited by Operation Smile. Volunteers from all over the world routinely meet in countries like this in order to provide life changing surgeries for hundreds of people affected by cleft lip and palate. People bus, walk and boat hundreds of miles for a chance to have this operation. Many children can not go to school or show their face for fear of being tormented and abused. Young babies risk malnourishment and even death if they are unable to eat and drink properly. Adults become social outcasts, unable to find work and craving the education they were never allowed to have, all because their face looks different. In as little as 45 minutes, Operation Smile can provide the surgery needed to correct a cleft. In one week, Operation Smile can perform hundreds of life saving surgeries. Unfortunately, with financial and time restrictions, hundreds are also turned away. But this is what keeps Operation Smile coming back, to even the most dangerous locations. The families that are turned away will keep coming back every year until they hear their name read off the surgery list. Their dedication and bravery is remarkable and it has been my pleasure to support this cause.
To learn more about Operation Smile or to add them to your registry, please click here. And if you have an organization you’d like us to feature, please email us at hello@thegoodbeginning.com.
We’re excited to have Katherine Hoggard of Events by Katherine talking about an organization that’s both near and dear to her…
Content written by Jaimie Schoen Mackey of Bella Design & Planning As a mother, I am instinctively drawn to anything…
