ALLIANCE FOR SMILES - bringing smiles & hope to children

Together with team members based in San Fransico and 30 boxes of equipment & materials, Jill was on her first trip to Shenyang, China. The mission of the trip was to provide medical assistance to children born with a cleft lip and palate age 14 and under. In a culture steeped in beliefs and superstitions, these unfortunate children born with a cleft lip and palate are often looked down upon and their families are shamed into hiding them or abandoning them. The most unfortunate part of this is the lack of medical assistance for those families who seek help; very little is available to these families financially. It was indeed an eye-opening experience for Jill; an experience full of emotions, yet rewarding. Good luck on your next trip to Harbin, China!