Dan Meyer is an Operation Smile supporter with a great spirit and more than his fair share of determination.
In 2022 he embarked on a life-altering journey in support of Operation Smile, cycling 3500 kilometers through Europe, a journey which lasted seven weeks. Dan was inspired to do something different with his life, as the effects of the pandemic had left him feeling aimless. So he bought a bicycle and began training for this arduous trek from Copenhagen, Denmark to Rome, Italy.
“The pandemic was obviously quite a difficult time for everybody, and I wanted to bring some positive change,” Dan said. “I wanted to do something to improve my own life, the lives of the people around me, and the lives of the cleft patients that Operation Smile helps.”
R134 000 raised for Operation Smile
Dan completed his European Smile Cycle in seven weeks, just 48 hours shy of his Visa expiring and his return flight to South Africa. He raised R134 000 to transform the lives of more than 20 patients through surgery, giving them the gift of a new smile and access to world class comprehensive care.
Seeing his contribution in action
On his return home to South Africa, Dan visited an Operation Smile surgical programme in Mpumalanga, and had the privilege of witnessing the impact of his contribution to life-changing surgeries.
“What an amazing experience,” he said. “You get to meet the kids who without Operation Smile’s help would never be able to live a normal life. What Operation Smile brings to them, and what people like you and I can do to help, is tangible; it changes not only the child’s life but the lives of the family and their school and their community. The amount of help that this charity provides to the community is absolutely amazing.”
Another cycling adventure
So inspired was Dan that he decided to embark on another cycling adventure in 2023 – this time down the west coast of the United States.
Starting on 21 June at the Canadian border, his route snaked down the Pacific coast of the United States, ending in Mexico on July 16, 2023. He rode more than 3,000 km!
“I am not a doctor, and I am not a nurse, and I can’t really do anything physically to help,” Dan says. “But I can ride a bicycle, and I can go on an adventure to raise awareness and funds and that’s exactly what I did.”
These extreme adventures are tough on the mind, body and spirit – but most importantly, they serve as a testament to the lengths a passionate individual is willing to go to support those in need.
Dan and other Operation Smile supporters and volunteers are the life force of the organisation, and Dan’s story proves that there are infinite, innovative ways to show up and support a great cause.
