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.