A smile usually denotes pleasure, happiness or amusement in a person. It is certainly effective in sharing one’s happiness, comfort and affection with others. Clinical studies even reveal that a smile has therapeutic effects on humans as it boosts our immune system, relieves stress and, to a certain extent, lowers blood pressure.
However, there are people who, unfortunately, lack that human gift. People with birth deformities/defects like cleft lips/palates which prevents them from wearing that perfect smile…
Well, not anymore. The Operation Smile, a not-for-profit medical service organization based in Norfolk, Virginia( USA ), founded in 1982 is continuously conducting children’s medical charity providing cleft lip and palate repair surgeries to children worldwide.
Just recently, the Operation Smile volunteers in Davao announced their coming physical screening schedule on February 27-28, 2010 at Brokenshire Gym, Davao City.
For Davao del Norte patients, the office of 2nd District Congressman Anton F. Lagdameo, Jr. and FABC President Vincent Floirendo as sponsors, are open to facilitate and help the patients avail of the services. It may be recalled that similar operations in the past were strongly supported by the two offices as part of their advocacy in bringing back a happy smile and wellness, especially to children and young adults in the province.
Ms. Gene-rose Tecson, the amiable chief of staff of Congressman Lagdameo is herself an advocate and volunteer of Operation Smile and had helped in organizing various dental missions not only in Davao del Norte but the rest of Mindanao .
For inquiries, contact Flory at tel nos. (084) 628-5359 or (084) 822-3137 and Cloyd at cellphone no. 0922-875-3047.
Concerned residents are enjoined to help the cause by informing cleft patients to avail of the program and help paint a smile on their faces.
