U.S. Doctors Change 58 Kids’ Lives in Mérida Surgery Mission

Mérida, Yucatán — A team of medical professionals from the U.S.-based nonprofit Sharing Smiles arrived in Mérida last weekend to perform life-changing surgeries on 58 children from across the state. The procedures, conducted at Hospital O’Horán, addressed congenital cleft lip and palate conditions.

Correcting Congenital Defects

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects, affecting infants’ ability to eat and speak. The surgeries, performed by volunteer doctors from New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, will enable the children to develop normal oral function with minimal scarring.

Gratitude from Families

Relatives of the young patients expressed profound gratitude for the procedures, which were provided at no cost. Post-surgery, the children are expected to experience significant improvements in daily activities impacted by their conditions.

The initiative underscores the ongoing need for specialized medical care in underserved regions. Hospital O’Horán served as the primary facility for the surgeries, collaborating with the international team to ensure successful outcomes.