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
Sixteen years ago, baby Dulce was brought to the Thousand Smiles clinic by Phillip and Betty Schwartz, a compassionate couple who ran a local orphanage near Vicente Guerrero, an agricultural community about three hours south of Ensenada.
Dulce was born with a double cleft lip and palate and was struggling to thrive. Her parents had sought help through the orphanage, and the Schwartzes encouraged them to bring Dulce to Thousand Smiles, assuring them she would receive the care she needed.
When Dulce was just a few weeks old, she came to the clinic for her first visit. As soon as it was safe, Thousand Smiles surgeons were able to close her lip. Over the years, a series of additional surgeries and ongoing dental care helped correct her palate, support her health, and straighten her teeth.
Dulce returned to the clinic every few months, growing stronger, healthier, and more confident with each visit.
Today, Dulce is 17 and thriving. She is part of the Ruiz family in San Quintín, with loving parents and two younger sisters. She attends regular public school, has friends, and leads a full and active life.
Dulce remains deeply grateful to her “adoptive parents” at the orphanage who helped connect her with Thousand Smiles, and to the doctors, dentists, nurses, and volunteers who have cared for her throughout her journey.
As her father says, the people at Thousand Smiles are truly “angels on Earth.”
Now, Dulce dreams of studying agricultural engineering so she can help strengthen the economy in her home region of Baja California.
Hers is just one of many lives changed through the work of Thousand Smiles Foundation. With the support of our medical, dental, surgical, and volunteer teams, children like Dulce receive more than treatment. They receive the chance to grow, learn, smile, and imagine a future filled with possibilities.
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.