The HUGS Foundation, Inc.

Hi everyone, the Cupid Lips team is proud to support a cause that means a great deal to Dr. Ben Talei and all of us — the HUGS Foundation. This year, as part of the Cupid Compendium Conference, we’ll be raising funds to benefit this incredible organization.

The HUGS Foundation, Inc. provides funding for volunteer medical teams who perform free reconstructive surgeries for children and adolescents with facial deformities or conditions that can be improved through plastic surgery. Their work transforms lives and gives young patients a renewed sense of confidence and hope.

Every contribution — big or small — makes a meaningful difference. Even a few dollars can help bring life-changing care to a child in need. If you’re unable to donate at this time, simply sharing this fundraiser is another great way to support the mission.

Thank you all for your compassion, generosity, and continued dedication to making a positive impact — both inside and outside our practice.

Every year, I am a member of a team that travels to Guatemala with HUGS Foundation to provide free facial reconstructive surgery to children and adults born with cleft lips, palates, microtia, and other facial deformities. These conditions can cause deep emotional and physical suffering, affecting speech, eating, hearing, and social acceptance. Many of the patients we serve live in extreme poverty and would never have access to this life-changing care without our mission.

Last year, through the generosity of friends, family, and community, we raised $2,300 to support this work. This year, we're aiming higher—with a goal of $5,000—to help even more patients smile, speak, and live with confidence.

Your donation goes directly toward surgical supplies, transportation, and patient care. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a profound impact. Thank you for helping us restore hope, dignity, and joy—one face at a time.

Will you join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit The HUGS Foundation, Inc.

The HUGS Foundation, Inc.: The HUGS (Help Us Give Smiles) Foundation provides free surgical care to children and adults deprived of a healthy life due to Microtia, Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate and other facial deformities. Recently, they have added Cleft Rhinoplasty to our surgeries to ensure a continuum of service for patients in need.

Did you know that just 1 microtia surgery in the US can cost up to $40,000? HUGS can perform approximately 160 surgeries for that amount. Life changing for many who would have never had this opportunity to feel whole otherwise.

I'm headed to Antigua, Guatemala from June 15-22 to be a part of a mission team that will perform a combination of 40 Microtia & Cleft Rhinoplasty cases.

I have made every effort to support the mission from personal contributions of time away from my practice and supplies to covering all of my travel expenses. However, the reality is that the mission still has costs associated with providing these life-changing surgeries.

My goal is to raise enough to fund at least 10 surgeries but any donation at all will help make an impact.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

~Dr. Marotta

Reflecting on my last mission trip ↓