![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.
![Sharvi and Shaivi at Smile Train offices in Dubai](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-06/heartmade-smile-office.jpg?itok=_nMQrnWa)
An Interview with Youth Ambassadors Sharvi and Shaivi
Their Walk for Smiles Fundraiser recently raised an incredible $16,000+ for Smile Train and we wanted to know more about the key to their success.
![Anghelo hugs his mother after free cleft surgery in Peru](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-04/anghelo-with-mom-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-peru.jpg?itok=gX4sMVHu)
Anghelo Soars from the Lowest Valley to the Highest Peak
After experiencing some of the lowest depths imaginable, Anghelo and his family now celebrate their miraculous lives.
![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.
![Cristian holds one of his dogs](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/cristiang-w-dog.jpg?itok=S7mAGUVV)
Healing Heartbreak with a Smile (Dogs Help, Too)
Angelica was 15 years old, single, and had just given birth to a baby with a cleft. All she knew about clefts was how she had seen people with them harassed without mercy. But she promised to never give up on the little life before her.
![Nkunda before cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/nkunda-before-cleft-surgery-super.jpg?itok=N8aO5Rl3)
A Walk to Freedom
Nkunda had to hide in the bushes on his journey to school every day. Something needed to be done.
![Monica holding an image of herself as a child](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-01/monica-holding-before-image-super.jpg?itok=ga-5c3ew)
Monica’s Inner Strength Shows in Her Smile
Monica has been through more than any child should, but today she shines bright.
![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.
![Teenager Maria holds an image of herself as a baby before her cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/maria-holds-baby-image.jpg?itok=Ce_ZviBj)
With Maria Every Step of the Way
Stella breastfed her seven other children without problems, but Maria’s clefts caused the milk to come out of her nose and made her choke.