Georgia TechOperation Smile

Defects• Cleft lip: opening in upper lip that may extend to the nose (opening may be on one side, both sides, or in the middle)• Cleft palate: roof of the

mouth contains an opening into the nose

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate•Risk Factors• Smoking during pregnancy•Diabetes•Older mother•Obesity

•Causes•Mostly Unknown

•Complications• feeding, speech, and hearing problems• frequent ear infections• social stigma

Global Need• 2 billion people lack access to any surgical care

• Billions more lack access to safe and well-timed surgery

•Only 4% of an estimated 234 million surgical procedures performed each year go to the poorest third of the global population

Foundation of Operation Smile•When:1982• By whom: Dr. William Magee, Jr. (plastic surgeon) and his wife Kathleen (nurse and social worker)

"People pushed their babies at us. They tugged at our sleeves with tears in their eyes and begged us to help their

children.”

Vision of Operation Smile•Operation Smiles believes that every child deserves exceptional surgical care

No child is a statistic.

• “Strive towards a world where no parent has to tell their child that there is no solution or that there is no hope”

Following the Vision: Medical Programs• Every country and community has different conditions

•Operation Smile works with local medical professionals, governments, hospitals and other NGOs

•Goal: to provide the most effective surgical care to patients worldwide

Types of Medical Programs

INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL MEDICAL MISSIONS

ADVOCACY

TRAINING AND

EDUCATION

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

CARE CENTERS

200,000+ surgeries3.5 million evaluations

All of Us can Make a Difference

Donations (in order to fund surgeries, which are only $240 because of the great amount of volunteer medical professionals)

Volunteer in medical missions and care centers

Spread the great message of Operation Smile

Community fundraisers and service projects

Promote growth by opening chapters at high schools, colleges, etc. in order to get the future generation involved

Our Part:Operation Smile, Georgia Tech Chapter

The purpose of this organization shall be:• To spread awareness of craniofacial deformities and raise funds to provide surgeries• To encourage professional interest among college students in the area of craniofacial deformities• To provide service opportunities for children in the United States and worldwide• To provide awareness to students and faculty members• To provide leadership opportunities within and outside of United States borders

We Could Really Use Your Help!• Like and share the Facebook page!•Apply to become a Committee or Officer•Attend fundraising and service events•Donate, so that we may spread the mission to a greater population, and spread smiles throughout the world!

Questions?