Operation Smile: VIETNAM 2012: A Mission of the Heart... A Vietnam Vet Revisits the Past to Brighten Others' Futures

Monday, August 27, 2012

A Mission of the Heart... A Vietnam Vet Revisits the Past to Brighten Others' Futures

Ashamed. Shunned. Ostracized. Words understood all too well by those with facial deformities- like Bob Perkins. As a young man, Bob's life was changed in an instant when he was shot in the face while serving as a Marine in the Vietnam War.

Constantly enduring the torment of wide-eyed stares, expressions of shock and negative remarks from strangers, living each day with a missing jaw was a challenge for Bob. He spent years undergoing numerous reconstructive surgeries- just for the chance to look "normal" once again and find acceptance in society.

It was during this time that he befriended Dr. Bill Magee, Co-founder of Operation Smile, and became aware of the many children suffering from cleft lips and cleft palates. Through his own personal experience, Bob felt a connection to these children- children who know the pain caused by rejection. This connection led Bob to a new chapter in life as an Operation Smile volunteer.

As a dedicated volunteer for nearly a decade, Bob has served Operation Smile in many ways. He has packed Smile Bags for patients, brought comfort and joy to patients on medical missions in the Philippines, and served as an Operation Smile speaker- and continues to do so today. Of his work with Operation Smile, Bob has said it has been "one of the most gratifying experiences of my life."

This summer, Bob was presented with the opportunity to volunteer during another medical mission. The goal: help children suffering from cleft lips and cleft palates. The location: Vietnam.

(Source: Operation Smile)

Watch Bob's video interview and read my blog about the medical mission in Vietnam: Vietnam Mission

Bob Perkins, Vietnam War veteran, and I.

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Operation Smile

Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft — often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. In some places these children are shunned and rejected. And in too many cases, their parents can't afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a normal life.

That's where Operation Smile comes in as an international charity providing much needed surgical services. Since 1982, Operation Smile — through the help of dedicated medical volunteers — has provided more than 2 million patient evaluations and over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

As one of the most prominent children’s charities in the world and with a presence in over 60 countries, Operation Smile is able to heal children’s smiles and bring hope for a better future.

FOR AS LITTLE AS $240, YOU CAN HELP PROVIDE A CLEFT LIP OR CLEFT PALATE SURGERY. THIS SURGERY CAN CHANGE A CHILD'S LIFE FOREVER AND CAN TAKE AS FEW AS 45 MINUTES.

CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE FAQ

What is a cleft lip and what is a cleft palate?

A cleft is an opening in the lip, the roof of the mouth or the soft tissue in the back of the mouth. A cleft lip may be accompanied by an opening in the bones of the upper jaw and/or the upper gum. A cleft palate occurs when the two sides of a palate do not join together, resulting in an opening in the roof of the mouth. A cleft lip and palate can occur on one side or both sides. A child can suffer from a cleft lip, a cleft palate or both.

What causes cleft lips and cleft palates?

The exact cause is unknown. Cleft lips and cleft palates are congenital defects that occur early in embryonic development. Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as maternal illness, drugs or malnutrition, may lead to a cleft lip or cleft palate. If one child in a family is born with a cleft, the risk increases by 2 to 4 percent that future children in the family will suffer from the same defect.

Does a cleft lip or cleft palate cause problems for a child?

Ear disease and dental problems occur frequently, as do problems with proper speech development. Children who suffer from a cleft lip and/or cleft palate may have difficulty eating. To address these issues, a child and family may work with a team of specialists — a pediatrician, a plastic surgeon, dental specialists, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist), a speech-language pathologist and audiologist, a geneticist and a psychologist/social worker.

How frequently do cleft lips and cleft palates occur?

Cleft lips and cleft palates occur in approximately 1 per 500-700 births, the ratio varying considerably across geographic areas or ethnic groupings.

(Sources: Operation Smile and WHO)