A Lovely Christmas Gift

Hi all,

This week we received a beautiful, surprise gift from Emily and David's preschool teachers. It's a gift of love and hope, and one we'll never forget.




The last page of the card has an important message that might be too hard to read. Here's what it says...

Millions of children in developing countries are suffering today with cleft lip and palate.
While babies born with clefts in the U.S. receive surgery soon after birth, babies in developing countries are usually never treated because they are poor.
Children with unrepaired clefts lead desperate lives of shame and isolation. Most will never eat or speak properly. They're not allowed to attend school or hold a job. Without surgery, children in developing countries have no chance, no life, no hope.
Helping these children is the mission of The Smile Train.
We provide free cleft surgery for children who would otherwise never receive it. Through our unique approach of empowering local doctors in developing countries, we can provide cleft surgery that costs as little as $250 and takes as little as 45 minutes.
This medical miracle gives these children not just a new smile, but a second chance at life.

David has been an incredible gift to us. His special needs are a constant challenge. Yet, he's oblivious to these needs. Instead, he's happy just to be with us, charming everyone around him and making friends everywhere. He humbles us simply by his perseverence. We love him more deeply every day.

How do you say thanks for a gift such as this? Miss Laurie and Miss Deb, this was a wonderful, touching gift that will become part of David's history. You are treasured teachers and kind human beings who have created such joy in our children's lives.

Much love,

Caroline, Kevin, David and Emily