The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is donating $927,400 to Operation Smile to support upcoming medical missions in Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Jordan.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a long-time supporter of the medical charity, but this donation is the largest gift it has ever given to Operation Smile. With this donation, more than 3,800 children will receive new smiles and hope for their future.
The need for quality cleft care in Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Jordan -- and worldwide -- is urgent, according to Operation Smile. It is estimated that in these four countries, more than 11,600 children are born each year with a cleft condition. Globally, every three minutes, it is estimated that a child is born with a cleft condition.
One in 10 children born with a cleft will die before their first birthday, according to Operation Smile. If they do survive, many of these children are unable to eat or speak properly, and they are often shunned and rejected by their communities.
Operation Smile is dedicated to raising awareness of this life-threatening issue and providing lasting solutions that allow children to be healed, regardless of financial standing. The nonprofit group said it has provided free reconstructive surgery for more than 150,000 children worldwide who suffered from cleft lips and cleft palates.
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