The year was 2006. The place, Empangeni in northern KwaZulu Natal. Nearly a hundred people arrived at our very first surgical programme with hope in their hearts. After health screening, 59 received free cleft surgery that would transform their lives forever.
Finding out that your newborn has a cleft condition is overwhelming for any parent. But imagine facing that news when you can’t even see your child!
Thanks to the comprehensive cleft care he received from Operation Smile, little Nzulu was finally able to enjoy his first ever slice of birthday cake when he turned three years old in November 2025.
When she saw her son for the first time after the operation, Zander’s mom couldn’t hold back the tears of joy.
In 2022, Dan Meyer cycled 3500 kilometers through Europe, from Copenhagen to Rome to raise funds for Operation Smile. A year later, he cycled down the west coast of America from Canada to Mexico.