So Others May Have / GIFTING TO: Operation Smile (DAY 1)

photocourtesyjjjjoundblog

Peeps,

If you smiled when you saw today's visual treat (which is quite amusing), you can thank your parents for limiting your consumption of candy and soda-drinks, as well as enforcing daily and nightly teeth-brushing.  Smiling makes us feel good, and shows everyone how happy we feel about ourselves, and the world around us.  And its the easiest way to make friends, get a better table at a crowded restaurant, or send an unspoken message to that dream-boat standing at the bar that you're interested (and interesting, yourself).  Sadly, some kids (and adults) won't and can't smile, this condition the result of facial deformities known as cleft lip and cleft palate.  It is reported that every three minutes a child is born with a cleft, and is often unable to eat, speak, smile, or interact in a society where much of our initial interaction(s) is based on appearance and visual clues.  Sadly, many parents in developing countries cannot afford to pay for reconstructive surgery; as a result these kids are stigmatized, rejected, and in turn develop low self-esteem issues, suffer from depression, and are unhappy.  


Operation Smile helps by providing safe and effective reconstructive surgery for children born with cleft lip and cleft palate.  More than a charity or NGO, Operation Smile is a mobilized force of medical professionals, nursing staff, and caring individuals who have provided more than 2 million evaluations, and over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults, who otherwise could not lead normal lives.


This Thanksgiving season, please consider sharing of yourself by giving a small donation to Operation Smile, at www.operationsmile.org.  For the amount of $250, a child's life can be saved through reconstructive surgery; smaller donations are gladly accepted, and volunteers are most welcome.  This Thanksgiving season, please share with others less fortunate, and make a small donation to Operation Smile.  It will be more rewarding than yet another unwanted novelty gift under the tree, and will mean the world of difference to a child somewhere in the world, who needs it most--now.


Sincerely,
Shane