A Message From Our President

Dear Member (or Prospective Member),

I'd like to first thank you for your interest in joining the official NYU chapter of Operation Smile. The work of the non-profit organization Operation Smile is truly remarkable. When medical volunteers go to developing countries to correct facial deformities in children, they are not simply creating a physical change but also a personal and emotional transformation. In many of these poverty-stricken areas across the globe, children born with defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate are ostracized by their community. Unable to be integrated with other members of society, they often feel ashamed of themselves and try to expose themselves to the public as little as possible. Operation Smile doctors correct these physical conditions as other volunteers serve to educate the local people, establishing outreach programs, and even setting up permanent follow-up clinics. In fact, one of our executive board members, Gina, volunteered in Honduras this past spring break as an Operation Smile volunteer, helping them set up a follow-up clinic there. For Gina, she was able to become actively involved in a mission and directly reach out to help people. While it is not possible for everyone to volunteer their time abroad to help those in need, you too can help elicit change, much closer to home.

Here, at NYU, Operation Smile serves to raise awareness and money for this worthy cause. By participating in our fundraising events and helping us spread the word out, you can help make a difference. It only costs $250 for one life-altering operation---think of how much money we can raise in our large school if we only work together. I hope you will consider this and decide to join us in our mission.

All the best,
Gloria Lam
President of the NYU chapter of Operation Smile