![Smile Train patient Demaris from Kenya holds a picture of herself before her free cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-07/damaris-holding-photo-before-free-smile-train-cleft-lip-cleft-palate-surgery-kenya.jpg?itok=g5glTJIO)
Determined Damaris
Even when the whole world seemed against her, Damaris persisted. And won.
![Hector Daniel held by his family](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-06/hector-looks-forward.jpg?itok=ciFZXyX-)
We Are Smiles in El Salvador
When their son's life was changed forever, Héctor Rivas and Karen wanted to give the same relief to families across El Salvador.
![Training doctors to provide free cleft lip and palate surgery in Asuncion, Paraguay.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-05/training-in-paraguay-for-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-in-asuncion.jpg?itok=wxWVIyks)
Smile Train’s Next Stop: Paraguay
Building a sustainable, local foundation for success in our newest partner country.
![Dr Esther Nyambura Njoroge](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/dr-esther-nyambura-njoroge.jpg?itok=qnfChSdH)
A Calling and a Duty: Advocating for Universal Health Coverage
An interview with Dr. Esther Njoroge-Muriithi.
![David's mom holds an image her son before cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/david-holds-before.jpg?itok=BWHeD1_B)
David’s Cleft Journey in His Mother’s Words
Magaly is the mother of David, age five, a Smile Train patient in Quito, Ecuador. She shared with us her son’s journey to cleft care and what Smile Train has meant for her entire family.
A Virtual Journey of Smiles to Africa
Smile Train staff in Africa are ready to show you the impact of your support.
Smile Train Regional Update: Africa
![Maria before her cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/maria-before-surgery-super.jpg?itok=cIdu5sXn)
It’s Never Too Late to Dream
Maria has been waiting for cleft surgery since 1953. When the opportunity came, her son wanted her to pass.
![Pyari waits 70 years for cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/pyari-waits-for-cleft-surgery.jpg?itok=VW0vajK3)
A Lovely Smile 70 Years in the Making
For 70 years, Pyari knew little besides rejection and heartbreak, until you gave her hope. And a smile.
![Ayubu before cleft lip surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/ayubu-before-cleft-lip-surgery.jpg?itok=9wYWba9j)
A Smile That Brightens And Enlightens
Ayubu's classmates harassed him relentlessly for years because of a local myth about clefts. When he was 10 years old, his mother heard there was hope at a hospital less than an hour away.