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Jacob Bertrand Gets a Kick Out of Meeting Smile Train Patients

Our patients will never forget hitting the dojo with Hawk from 'Cobra Kai'

Jacob Bertrand watches children practice karate at a Smile Train partner center in Mexico City

In early 2022, Smile Train Youth Ambassador Jacob Bertrand, a star of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, traveled to Mexico City to meet Smile Train patients and medical partners for the first time.

Jacob Bertrand demonstrating some karate moves for the patients at Centro SUMA
Jacob demonstrating some of his karate moves

At the hospital, Jacob saw firsthand how Smile Train’s model of empowering local medical experts to provide high-quality cleft care 24/7 changes the lives and smiles of children with clefts and their families and transforms entire communities.

Jacob Bertrand with cleft patients learning karate at Centro SUMA
Jacob posing with Smile Train patients learning karate

One unique feature of the partner center in Mexico City is their karate program. Learning martial arts gives children who so often face stigma and bullying confidence, strength, and a sense of accomplishment — and when Hawk himself joins, it packs an even greater punch.

Jacob Bertrand watches children practice karate at a Smile Train partner center in Mexico City

Jacob then met with individual patients and did a press conference with some of his new friends.

Jacob hands a Smile Train teddy to patient Sugey while visiting her home
Jacob handing a Smile Train teddy to Sugey at her home

His next stop was particularly powerful: the opportunity to visit Smile Train patient Sugey and her family at their home.

Jacob Bertrand with a patient who drew a picture of him
Jacob with a cleft patient and the picture he drew of him as Hawk

“I’m so grateful to get to meet everybody,” Jacob said. “The great work that Smile Train is doing — it’s cool to see the fruits of their labor. So come support!”