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Operation of Hope Worldwide

Mission Operation of Hope Worldwide (formally Operacion Esperanza since 1989) is a volunteer medical team that has changed the liv...Learn more

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Jennifer Hizon is fundraising
Jen's Fundraiser for Operation of Hope Mission Zimbabwe 2025
Help Bring Hope to Children in Zimbabwe!

I have an incredible opportunity to share my passion and skills as a Neonatal ICU nurse with Operation of Hope on their next medical mission to Zimbabwe, Africa, in May 2025.

For over 30 years, Operation of Hope has been dedicated to providing free, life-changing facial reconstructive surgeries and essential healthcare for children in desperate need across the world. Our mission is to bring real hope to those suffering from facial deformities, enabling them to lead normal, fulfilling lives.

Your contribution will directly support this mission, helping to cover the costs of medical supplies, travel expenses, and logistical support. As a volunteer-driven organization, we rely heavily on the generosity of individuals like you to fund these life-changing surgeries. Together, we can transform lives—giving children not just a new smile or a healed body, but a future full of possibilities.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Please donate today and help us give the gift of hope.

For more information about our organization and past missions, please visit our website: https://www.operationofhope.org/

Thank you for your support!

- Jennifer Hizon
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Michael Nuara is fundraising
Healing Zimbabwe: 30 Years of Hope
Last year was my first year on this mission trip and; although I was not with my family on Mother's Day, they were happy to know how many mothers received their wish through the work we did.

Operation of Hope Worldwide (https://www.operationofhope.org) is a volunteer organization that has over 30 years of impact in the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe offering free surgical care to those in need. The impacts stretch far beyond the city as well, as patients come from all over the region to receive care by this team. Please reach out a hand with a donation to support this year's trip bringing much needed surgical care to the people of Zimbabwe.
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5 supporters
Amber Robinson is fundraising
Bringing Smiles to Children in Zimbabwe
I’m thrilled to share that I have an incredible opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe, Africa this May with Operation Hope! I am beyond excited for the opportunity to share my passion for nursing with the families in Zimbabwe and make a truly meaningful impact.

For over 30 years, Operation of Hope has been dedicated to providing free, life-changing facial reconstructive surgeries and vital healthcare for children in need around the world. Our mission is to offer real hope to children suffering from facial deformities, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Your support will make a direct impact, helping cover the costs of medical supplies, travel expenses, and logistical needs for this mission. As a volunteer-driven organization, we rely on the generosity of compassionate individuals like you to fund these life-changing surgeries.

Together, we can transform lives—offering children not just a new smile or a healed body, but a future filled with possibilities.

Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Please donate today and help us deliver the gift of hope to those in desperate need.

https://www.operationofhope.org/blogs/missions
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13 supporters
Julie Guide is fundraising
Help Bring Smiles to Zimbabwean Children
Bring Hope and Healing to Children in Zimbabwe!

I am deeply honored to volunteer with Operation of Hope on their upcoming medical mission to Zimbabwe from May 1-9, 2025.

Operation of Hope Worldwide provides free, life-changing reconstructive surgeries and essential healthcare to children in desperate need across the globe. But their impact goes beyond surgery—they invest in education and training to build self-sustaining healthcare programs, ensuring that every child has a chance for a healthier, brighter future.

Each medical mission in Zimbabwe costs $25,000–$45,000 to make possible. Your donation will directly support this mission, covering the costs of medical supplies, travel, and care for children who would otherwise have no access to these critical procedures.

Together, we can give these children not just a new smile, but a future full of possibilities.

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Please consider contributing today and helping us bring hope and healing to children who need it most.

Thank you for your support!

~Julie Guide
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10 supporters
Julie Mathews is fundraising
Journey to Zimbabwe: Smiles for Children
When I retired from teaching, I bought a piece of art to celebrate my 36 years of teaching children to learn to read. A small metal statue of an African woman with a book in her hand. Little did I know that statue would come to life after retirement.

I am honored to travel to Africa in May with @operation_of_hope on a medical mission to Zimbabwe. I volunteer not as medical support, but putting my teaching talents to use organizing crafts, singing, reading aloud, and helping to build a library to leave after the mission is gone. Lucky for me, I will be traveling with my bestie from high school, Julie Guide, and her daughter, Jessica Stewart.

Operation of Hope provides free, life-saving facial surgeries to children in desperate need. The families travel from small villages, sometimes selling their goats to afford the trip. They stay at the hospital at no cost to them to get the care they need.

But we need your help to make the mission possible. Your donation will go directly toward medical supplies, travel, care, and books to start a library that can be used year after year.

I personally know the family that started this nonprofit organization, and it has been changing lives for 36 years. That's a lot of smiles! Please check out their website and if you need a good, happy cry, read the story of a 14-year-old boy named Blessing, after he found a landmine in a field. Have a Kleenex handy.

Please consider donating to this life-changing surgical care in developing countries around the world. Every contribution will make a difference and help a child smile.

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20 supporters
Sara Paulshock is fundraising
Supporting Cleft Surgeries with Love
As some of you know I will be traveling to Zimbabwe this May 2025 with my parents to participate in an Operation of Hope mission. Dr. Paulshock (my Dad) will provide pediatric anesthesia and I will be working as a floor nurse. My Mom will serve to help document the experience and as an extra non-medical hand.

I have been looking forward to participating in an opportunity like this since I became a nurse, and it will serve as an end to my bedside career before I start CRNA school at Barry University class 2028. I feel beyond fortunate to be able to participate in this mission alongside my parents. Truly a once in a lifetime.

As you might imagine, there are many costs and fees associated with this mission. Flights, lodging, and of course toys for the kids are adding up quickly. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you so much!

OUR MISSION:

To help as many children and adults suffering from cleft palate/cleft lip conditions in the safest way possible. 2025 marks the 37th surgical mission in Zimbabwe, Africa. OOH was founded in 1989 and is a registered 501 © (3) charity registered by the IRS EN# 45-2778045. www.operationofhope.org

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6 supporters
Taylor Stubenrouch is fundraising
Crys & Tay’s Medical Mission in Zimbabwe May 2024
Your favorite travel pair, Taylor and Crystal, are headed to Zimbabwe on their bucket list DREAM in May 2024! We are going on a medical mission to help kids in Zimbabwe get cleft palate repairs and various other surgeries! All proceeds go directly to Operation of Hope.

Want to join us in making a difference? We’re raising money to benefit Operation of Hope Worldwide, and any donation will help make an impact to the people of Zimbabwe!! Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

More information about Operation of Hope Worldwide: Founded in 1989, Operation of Hope, an all-volunteer surgical team, restores the smiles of children who are affected by facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate. The team of Board certified reconstructive surgeons, pediatricians, RN’s, and other volunteers, support the confidence and social success of children around the world!

This is an all volunteer charity- no salaries & no paid office space- all volunteers use their personal and/or vacation time to give back.
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32 supporters
The Bonimes is fundraising
Restoring smiles one child at a time!

Want to join us in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Operation of Hope Worldwide and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me as it was founded by my father in 1989.

This Spring, we are heading to Zimbabwe to repair cleft lip and palates. (Our surgeons also lend their expertise in helping with burn cases that are too complicated for the local hospital to handle.) All proceeds go directly to Operation of Hope.

Operation of Hope is an all-volunteer surgical team which restores the smiles of children who are affected by facial deformities. The team of Board Certified reconstructive surgeons and other volunteers transform lives by repairing cleft lip and palates, giving kids a chance at employment and marriage without society’s shame. (Kids too get bullied by their school mates and their siblings.)

Giving all these kids a chance to thrive also allows our own surgeons an incredible opportunity to enhance their skills and train others!

An all-volunteer charity- no salaries and no paid office space. Every volunteer uses their personal and/or vacation time to give back.

Operation of Hope helps kids in Asia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Africa, Philippines, Bangladesh and Ecuador!

Here is an article I wrote about a trip with my father in 2012 to Ethiopia. https://www.teryndowntheroad.com/2012/12/ethiopia/

Thank you for your support!

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Tammra Trubenbach is fundraising
Changing Children's Lives
Family and friends, I am blessed with the opportunity to travel with Operation of Hope Worldwide to the Philippines in September 2023. This has been a dream of mine and now after 22 years of nursing I get to share my knowledge, skills, and love changing children's lives forever.

Operation of Hope Worldwide was founded in 1989, an all-volunteer surgical team, restores the smiles of children who are affected by facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate. The team of Board certified reconstructive surgeons and other volunteers, support the confidence and social success of children around the world! All volunteers use their personal or vacation time to give back. This is an all volunteer charity, nobody is paid.

I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity! Any donation will help support my travels to the Philippines as well as medical supplies and clinic needs, making an impact in the lives of these children and their families.

Thank you for your support,

Tammra
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8 supporters
Jerry Haught is fundraising
Operation of Hope returns to Zimbabwe - May 2024
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Operation of Hope Worldwide, and any donation will help make an impact. As a Board member, I am making a return trip - volunteering to support the medical/surgical team for week 1 in our return to Zimbabwe. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause, that means so much to me.

More information about Operation of Hope Worldwide: Founded in 1989, Operation of Hope, an all-volunteer surgical team, restores the smiles of children who are affected by facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate. The team of Board-certified reconstructive surgeons and other volunteers support the confidence and social success of children worldwide!

An all-volunteer charity- no salaries & no paid office space- all volunteers use their personal and/or vacation time to give back.

* Asia, Papua New Guinea, Africa and Bangladesh
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15 supporters
Sherry Clark is fundraising
Operation of Hope: Cleft Lip and Palate Repairs

I have an incredible opportunity to share my passion and skills as a NICU nurse in an amazing way, and I’m raising money to help me do it.

Dr Paschen has encouraged me over the years to consider volunteering with Operation of Hope, and now I have committed to volunteering with their organization. I feel called to give back using the knowledge and skills I've been blessed with. I will be volunteering as a recovery room nurse to help children in Zimbabwe who need life-changing surgery and health care to correct cleft lips, cleft palates, or both.

Operation of Hope’s website explains how these surgeries are not just medically important, but culturally as well: "A typical mother and father walk through our hospital door holding their child. This family owns nothing more than the clothes they wear. Their child is disfigured. Others in their village have been told it is the mom’s fault for a past sin. These parents are sometimes told that killing the baby is a reasonable option."

My trip to Zimbabwe is in May, and I can't imagine a better way to volunteer by doing something I love. The money raised here will help with my expenses to get there and help me support Operation of Hope Worldwide in their incredible, life-saving mission.

Any donation will help make an impact in the lives of these children and their families. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity, and I hope you’ll help me make it happen!

More information about Operation of Hope Worldwide: Founded in 1989, Operation of Hope, an all-volunteer surgical team, restores the smiles of children who are affected by facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate. The team of Board certified reconstructive surgeons and other volunteers, support the confidence and social success of children around the world!

An all volunteer charity- no salaries & no paid office space- all volunteers use their personal and/or vacation time, fund their own airfare and lodging to give back.

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32 supporters

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About Operation of Hope Worldwide

Mission Operation of Hope Worldwide (formally Operacion Esperanza since 1989) is a volunteer medical team that has changed the lives of over 5,000 children around the world...and counting. Each year, we traveling to developing countries to perform cleft lip and palate surgeries, as well as, other types of facial reconstructive surgery for people in need. In addition, this group of highly specialized medical personnel, train the nurses and doctors in these countries to provide care for their patients. Our work has expanded to neonatal care, prosthetic hands and burn surgeries in Africa, Asia, South Pacific and Latin America. Our goal is to provide additional experience for physicians who are specializing in these types of surgery.

20911 Avenida AmapolaLake Forest, CA 92630

Find Operation of Hope Worldwide at

Causes

Specialty hospital care

Established

2011

Verified on GoFundMe

2022

Tax ID

45-2778045

NTEE code

Hospital (Specialty)

Operation of Hope Worldwide is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 45-2778045. Donations are tax-deductible. Select content is provided by GuideStar.

Recent Donations

Kelly Kear donated to Jen's Fundraiser for Operation of Hope Mission Zimbabwe 2025
$501 mo
Susan Estes donated to Healing Zimbabwe: 30 Years of Hope
$501 mo
Anonymous donated to Healing Zimbabwe: 30 Years of Hope
$2002 mos
Collene Towers donated to Healing Zimbabwe: 30 Years of Hope
$2502 mos
IBRAHIM ZAITAWI donated to Healing Zimbabwe: 30 Years of Hope
$2002 mos
Dawn Rimer donated to Bringing Smiles to Children in Zimbabwe
$1002 mos
Julie Clarke donated to Journey to Zimbabwe: Smiles for Children
$1002 mos
Anonymous donated to Help Bring Smiles to Zimbabwean Children
$2002 mos
Eleanor Topacio Long donated to Journey to Zimbabwe: Smiles for Children
$1002 mos
Kristee LeTavec donated to Journey to Zimbabwe: Smiles for Children
$1002 mos

Operation of Hope Worldwide

Jen's Fundraiser for Operation of Hope Mission Zimbabwe 2025

Healing Zimbabwe: 30 Years of Hope

Bringing Smiles to Children in Zimbabwe

Help Bring Smiles to Zimbabwean Children

Journey to Zimbabwe: Smiles for Children

Supporting Cleft Surgeries with Love

Crys & Tay’s Medical Mission in Zimbabwe May 2024

Restoring smiles one child at a time!

Changing Children's Lives

Operation of Hope returns to Zimbabwe - May 2024

Operation of Hope: Cleft Lip and Palate Repairs