1. Putting Smiles on the Faces of Children Born With Cleft Lip / Cleft Palate
Cleft lip/cleft palate occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 children born in developed countries, and occurs even more frequently in impoverished areas. This condition not only affects appearance, but also makes breathing and eating difficult, if not impossible, and can cause problems with speech development. These organizations travel the world giving of themselves to help children suffering with this defect.
Operation Smile
6435 Tidewater Drive
Norfolk, VA 23509 USA
1-888-OPSMILE (888-677-6453)
www.operationsmile.org
The Smile Train
41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor
New York, NY 10010
1-800-932-9541
www.smiletrain.org
2. Helping Disfigured Victims of Domestic Violence
I believe it would be safe to assume that all victims of domestic violence suffer from painful memories of their abuse. Imagine how much greater that pain would be when every glance in a mirror leaves the victim with evidence of the abuse staring her in the face. Thankfully, there is help for those disfigured by domestic violence.
The National Domestic Violence Project Hotline
800-842-4546
The Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence
9002 N. Meridian St., Suite 205
Indianapolis, IN 46260
615-672-8233
www.victimsofviolencefoundation.org
3. Facing the Future by Erasing The Past - Removing Gang Tattoos
While there are no national or international organizations providing this service, there are several locally-operated programs in various parts of the U.S. which offer free or low-cost laser tattoo removal to former gang members with gang-related tattoos.
Often, participation in counseling, group therapy, or community service is required to receive the benefits of the programs, which are more widely available in areas with large gang memberships. Here are two in California:
Clean Slate Tattoo Removal
562-770-0266 or 323-937-1344 ext. 215
Clean Slate On the Web
California Tattoo Removal Clinic (Modesto, CA)
The Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation
8 Commodore Drive
Emeryville, CA 94608
510-457-9880
www.chuckmuncie.org/tattoo
4. Hope for Victims of Disfiguring Wartime Injuries
Doctors Without Borders is known for delivering humanitarian aid throughout the world by addressing all manner of healthcare needs in developing nations. Many people, however, don't think about the fact that delivering medical care in war-torn countries also means performing reconstructive surgery on victims of wartime violence.
Doctors Without Borders
333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
212-679-6800
www.doctorswithoutborders.org
5. Help for Victims of Trauma, Cancer, War, Domestic Violence and Birth Defects
These internationally active organizations are made up of many doctors, nurses, and others who donate their time and talents to help those suffering with disfigurement as a result of birth defects, cancer excisions, accidental trauma, burns, acts of war and domestic violence.
Face to Face
c/o Educational & Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
310 S. Henry Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-299-9291
www.facetofacesurgery.org
Healing the Children
P.O. Box 9065
Spokane, WA 99209
509-327-4281
www.healingthechildren.org
