by AfS Photographer Glenn Parry
The unsung heroes of every cleft surgery mission are the parents and loved ones. We see just how far they will go to give their child a healthier, happier future — traveling for hours, sometimes days, to reach an Alliance for Smiles clinic. Waiting patiently on hospital benches. Finding ways to communicate across language barriers. Holding onto hope through the anxious hours of surgery and recovery.
It isn’t easy. But their strength and love are unwavering. Because for these families, nothing matters more than giving their child access to the life-changing cleft care they deserve.
It was a very special day for Angela who was also celebrating her 10th birthday as she went into the operating room. She saw a mural in the hospital of a snow-capped mountain and told her surgeon, Dr. Chris Zarella, that the mountain in the painting is near her home. He showed her a picture of himself in front of a similar snow-capped mountain near his home in Washington state, and she smiled saying, “it’s the same” in Spanish. The team sang “Feliz Cumpleanos” as she bravely readied herself for surgery.
To our friends at Fundación El Cielo Para Los Niños de Ecuador,
Thank you for making this possible!
Local translator and volunteer Kiara worked hard all week helping the teams communicate together 
The team making their morning rounds in the ward, checking in on patients 
Today was Angela's birthday! The team sang for her and made sure it was a special day. 
Photographer Glenn connecting with a teenage patient and his mother. 
Pediatrician Paula having fun connecting with her patient. 
A small toy brought the kids so much joy!