Smile Train and PBM Bring Christmas Cheer to Children with Cleft Deformities

Smile Train and the Philippine Band of Mercy bring early Christmas cheer to young cleft patients and their families by giving away gift baskets to make their Christmas celebration a memorable one. The gift-giving was graced by Marc and Danica Pingris last December 4, 2014

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft charity, and the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) brings early Christmas cheer to young cleft patients. Hundreds of patients and their families were given gift baskets that would help them make their Christmas celebrations a memorable one. The gift-giving was graced by celebrity couple, Marc and Danica Pingris, who were warmly welcomed by children who have recently undergone or are awaiting surgery. The Pingris couple distributed toys and gift packs, to the delight of the patients and their families.

Smile Train provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries to those who need them. In the Philippines, it has over 40 partner-hospitals offering medical services to poor children and adults suffering from these conditions. PBM, one of Smile Train’s partners in the Philippines, performs over 2,000 cleft surgeries every year.

Smile Train Country Manager Kimmy Flaviano said, “Smile Train is extremely proud to have a partner like Philippine Band of Mercy. For over 70 years, PBM has dedicated themselves to helping poor Filipinos with disabilities. Since 2002, they have focused most of their resources and expertise on helping children with cleft lips and palates.”

Danica Sotto-Pingris shared: “As a mother, it breaks my heart to see children who are born with cleft anomalies. Sana po, in our own little way, we can raise awareness about the free surgeries Smile Train is offering. Sana po marami pang matulungan ang Smile Train para magkaroon ng bagong buhay ang mga mga batang ipinanganak nang may bingot.” [As a mother, it breaks my heart to see children who are born with cleft anomalies. It is our hope that, in our own little way, we can raise awareness about the free surgeries Smile Train is offering. Hopefully, Smile Train can help more children born with cleft lips and palates, for them to be able to live a normal life.]

Marc Pingris affirmed, “Nandito po kami ngayon para makatulong sa Smile Train. Kawawa po ang mga bata na hindi na-ooperahan. Niloloko sila, tinutukso, kaya’t ayaw nilang pumasok sa eskwela. Kung may kilala po kayo na may cleft, pakitawag lang po sa Smile Train para mabigyan sila ng pag-asa at normal na bukas.” [We are here to help Smile Train. We feel for the kids who are unable to get operations. They are teased and maligned, discouraging them from going to school. If you know anyone who has a cleft lip or palate, please call Smile Train to help give them hope and a normal future.”]

To know more about Smile Train Philippines, and how you can avail of a free surgery, call or send a message to 0917-52-TRAIN (0917-5287246).