HELPS International is proud to announce that 2006 was a banner year for cleft palate reconstruction surgery.  Based on a $5,000 grant from SMILE TRAIN earmarked specifically for this procedure, HELPS was able to partner with Smile Train to treat a total of 79 patients with cleft lips and palates.

HELPS International's medical teams are based on groups of up to 100 volunteers who spend an intense week in Guatemala's most impoverished and remote communities.

The year 2006 covered ten medical teams working throughout the country and 2007 has increased medical teams to a total of eleven.  The SMILE TRAIN grant enables these medical teams to perform invaluable surgery to correct cleft palates, but, more importantly, to ensure that the patient fulfills his or her potential.  It is well documented that the lack of self esteem, nutritional deficiencies and speech development are affected by the condition.

HELPS International is proud to consider SMILE TRAIN a partner in battling the condition affecting so many of Guatemala's children and youth.