Smile Success Stories
Patient – Lisivia
Lisvia first came to Thousand Smiles when she was just one year old. Today, she’s a 24-year-old graphic designer with a master’s degree in marketing—a full and thriving life she credits, in part, to the care she received through the clinic.
She still visits Thousand Smiles for dental care and fondly remembers her early experiences—playing on the patio (pictured below) and being welcomed by the kind, friendly staff.
Lisvia says the doctors were always respectful and caring, making her feel comfortable throughout her treatment. She will always be grateful to Thousand Smiles for giving her the chance to live a confident, normal life filled with opportunity.
Patient – Angel
Angel was first referred to Thousand Smiles by a welfare agency in Tijuana. Although the drive to Ensenada is long, his family is deeply grateful for the care he’s received.
Angel first came to the clinic a year ago, at age ten. Since then, he has undergone two cleft palate surgeries and had ear tubes placed—transforming his ability to hear and communicate. “I’m doing better in school now because the doctors fixed my hearing,” he says proudly.
As a baby, Angel had an earlier cleft surgery in Tijuana, but it didn’t fully correct the problem. During that time, his mother became ill with cancer, and the family’s focus was on her care. Now, his aunt brings him to Thousand Smiles, where he continues to make remarkable progress.
Angel loves improving his balance and reflexes—and especially enjoys playing baseball. His bright smile and growing confidence remind us what access to compassionate, comprehensive care can make possible.
Patient – Dulce
Thousand Smiles Foundation has become an important part of the medical community in Ensenada, with many local organizations and institutions referring patients to our clinic. One of those patients is Dulce.
Born with a cleft palate in Vicente Guerrero—an agricultural community about three hours south of Ensenada—Dulce’s parents sought help at a local orphanage. The couple who ran it, Phillip and Betty Schwartz, told them about Thousand Smiles and encouraged them to bring their daughter for treatment, assuring them she would receive the care she needed.
When Dulce was just a few weeks old, the Schwartzes brought her to the clinic for her first visit. Since then, she has returned every few months for ongoing medical and dental care.
Now 17, Dulce continues to thrive. She is deeply grateful to her “adoptive parents” at the orphanage who helped her find Thousand Smiles—and to the doctors and volunteers who have supported her along the way.
As her father says, the people at Thousand Smiles are truly “angels on Earth.” Dulce now dreams of studying agricultural engineering so she can help strengthen the economy in her home region of Baja California.
Patient – Ami
Patient – Ashley
Patient – Abraham
Patient – Lillian
Patient – Jose
Jose was born with a cleft palate and needed a full reconstruction. His local government clinic referred his family to Thousand Smiles when they couldn’t afford the treatment costs.
Now 22, Jose says he has always felt comfortable discussing his medical care with the Thousand Smiles doctors and appreciates the supportive environment at every clinic visit.
Patient – Amara
Patient – Thabatha
Fifteen-year-old Thabatha has been part of the Thousand Smiles family since she was a baby. She first came for cleft surgery, continued with regular follow-up visits, and now receives ongoing dental care.
Grateful for the care her daughter has received, Thabatha’s mother has shared their experience with neighbors—helping other families discover the compassionate, comprehensive services available through Thousand Smiles.
Between clinics, Thabatha and her mom stay in touch with other patients, offering encouragement and friendship. Outside of her appointments, Thabatha loves to read and write—proof that her bright smile is matched by a curious mind and a kind heart.
And thousands more smiles to come!
Your Support Makes a Difference
We have surpassed our one thousand smiles mark and performed over 2,000 cleft palate surgeries and an additional 20,000 dental visits. And we couldn’t have done it without you.