Two hundred sixty-four lives changed for the better: 237 dental patients treated and 27 more in need of cleft lip repair, revision and reconstruction received new smiles.

A Global Smile Foundation team in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala arrived with the mission to change lives. From October 23 through November 1, dental and medical professionals cared for and educated patients and families and provided first rate treatment.

Debinson, a young patient, received successful treatment during the Global Smile Foundation mission to Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. 

With a special emphasis on cleft lips and palates, the goal of Global Smile Foundation is to alleviate the suffering of underserved patients born with facial congenital deformities.

How is this possible?

With the help of Goodwill Ambassador Barbara Palacios, Miss Universe 1986, creating awareness among her 1 million followers on social media, and mission sponsors, including the Benco Family Foundation, supporting the efforts, the changes are within reach.

Mission sponsors included: The Silverstein Family in Honor of Jon Silverstein, Tess Unlimited, Amercian Airlines, Benco Family Foundation, AmeriCares, +map International, Coast2Coast Medical, Brother’s Brother Foundation, Gebauer Company, Covidien, Real Intercontinental Guatemala and numerous corporate and individual donors.

For more information on how to help, visit: https://www.gsmile.org/