Smile Foundation SA has assisted 291 children with facial reconstructive surgery so far this year

The foundation that seeks to bring smiles to the faces of children with facial abnormalities by giving them life-changing facial reconstructive surgery wants to continue spreading their message of hope across South Africa

CEO Hedley Lewis said the foundation is proud to have supported hospitals to assist 291 children so far this year through corrective plastic and reconstructive surgery. They work with 11 academic hospitals to assist patients.

“Each and every patient that is assisted by the surgical teams and nurses is a highlight for our foundation. The smile on the patient’s faces says it all. One additional highlight was launching our referral mobile application which is live on Android and Apple iStore which empowers the public to refer patients to the academic hospitals,” said Lewis.

Lewis explained that their major challenge is not being able to reach out to potential patients who are unaware that there is support to assist them. “The may not be aware that we do cover costs such as transport as they may not be in a position to afford their own transport.”

He said that community members can assist them by referring patients in need of facial reconstructive surgery such as cleft lip, cleft palate, ear and nose conditions and burn wounds, via www.smilefoundation.co.za or on Facebook ‘Smile Foundation SA’ or by calling 086 127 6453. People can also make a donation to their work via the website, host a fundraising or sports event for the cause or encourage others to support them through their company or in their personal capacity.

“The festive season is about family and reaching out to others. If every South African reaches out to one individual, financially or non-financially, it may be a hug or a smile, you can have a positive impact on one’s life and our country would be a happier place,” said Lewis.