Smile Stories

Mishell’s story is one of tragedy turned to hope. Born the ninth child of Rosa Xon Gutierrez, Mishell was born without one of her forearms as well as a cleft lip. Hoping to find help for her daughter, Rosa took her to a triage screening operated by Partner For Surgery, one of Free to Smile’s partners in Guatemala. She was determined a good candidate for surgery, to be performed by the next Free to Smile mission team. After a successful operation and with the help and support of her siblings, Michelle’s parents hope she can become a nurse or a teacher.

Seven-year-old Erick was born with a disfiguring cleft lip. Shortly after his birth, his mother died. His father Daniel, who struggles with mental illness, brought Erick to Centro de Salud Bárbara to be treated by Free to Smile. Perhaps, Daniel tells the team, sometimes in an unfair world, there is justicia. The way he uses the word, the tone in his voice, the gratitude in his eyes, render it untranslatable.

When the nurse announces that it is Erick’s turn for surgery, Daniel’s eyes light up and in an act of blind faith, he entrusts his son to strangers. During surgery, Daniel sits with his hands folded in prayer. After an excruciating two-hour wait, Daniel is overcome with emotion when he sees his son again. He holds his hand and comforts him, no doubt whispering to Erick of justicia.

Tomasa, Angel’s mother, made the 3.5-hour trip alone to San Juan Sacatepéquez so Free to Smile could help her son. At home, the family grows and purchases crops from neighbors to sell in Guatemala City. With 10 children including Angel, theirs is a busy household. And yet, when Partner For Surgery identified Angel as a candidate for Free to Smile’s next mission, Angel’s parents did not hesitate to embark on their third attempt at getting him surgery. With the help of Free to Smile and Partner for Surgery, Angel returned home with a new and beautiful smile.