Today We’ve been reflecting on the generous support that you have shown, most recently through our #GivingTuesday fundraising efforts-THANK YOU! In these turbulent times, we find it refreshing to know that so many of us can come together to help others with whom, on the surface, we have little in common. Often we are separated not only by thousands of miles, but also by language, race, religion, gender, education level and culture. We believe that our world needs more people like you, who can find the similarities among others–humanity, kindness, grace, compassion, love for our children and a desire to give our children every opportunity possible. So many of us tend to focus on the differences and let ourselves and others be defined by differences and not by what we have in common. Now more than ever, 
focusing on goodness, kindness, compassion, healing and caring seems so very important. But, the need in the world is overwhelming, and we may want to throw up our hands, paralyzed by not knowing what to do–and simply do nothing. Time and again we hear stories about individuals who make an enormous difference in the world. One act of kindness, one life touched, one cleft lip repaired–these are but the beginning of the ripple effect. Thank you for extending your helping hands instead of throwing them up in frustration.
From a public health standpoint, the repair of a cleft lip or palate is just the beginning, the first tiny ripple in the lake. In a Low or Middle Income Country (LMIC) the surgery can yield not only an improvement in form and function for the individual child (ability to eat, drink, speak, attend school, marry and work), but also benefits his or her family (inclusion in the community, return to work for parents) and can avoid significant lifelong disability for the child which translates into an improved economic future as he/she grows to become a contributing member of society.
Thank you for being the difference that you want to see in the world. We are delighted to partner with you and we rejoice in the ripples that you are sending across the globe.
