Sisters Nadine and Farida: A Shared Journey of Compassion with Operation Smile UAE

For sisters Nadine and Farida, the path to making a difference led them to Operation Smile UAE. What began as a search for student volunteering opportunities quickly blossomed into a shared passion for transforming lives. "Operation Smile UAE opened its arms wide and gave me a way to make a difference," shares Nadine, a sentiment echoed by Farida's dedication to their school club, awareness campaigns, and fundraising efforts. A pivotal moment for both sisters came during the ISLC conference in Atlanta, where the Cleft Connect session left a lasting impact. "I felt like I was living in a bubble, and it got popped," reflects Nadine, as they both grasped the profound societal barriers faced by individuals with cleft conditions. Now, armed with skills and knowledge gained from a surgical training workshop, Nadine and Farida are preparing to embark on a surgical program to Thailand together. "If I can make that experience a bit happier, give them a small smile, play with a child who has been isolated from friends, make them feel loved, and valued, that would mean the world to me and to them," shares Nadine, her words reflecting the shared empathy and purpose that drive them. As they prepare to provide compassionate care and support to patients and families in Thailand, Nadine and Farida invite you to be a part of their incredible journey.

Mae Sot is a serene and culturally diverse city bordering Myanmar. However, despite the city’s beauty, many families living in it lack access to safe surgical care for their children.

Every 3 minutes, a child with a cleft condition is born. These children not only face social isolation but are also prone to many health issues such as dental, hearing, and nutrition problems. These children are creative young minds, ready to change the world, but shunned by society just because people cannot look beyond their facial appearance. To me, it is shocking to think that as little as 45 minutes, could change all that, could change the life of a child, forever.

Operation Smile Thailand works diligently to provide for its patients. Throughout their years of work they have provided 16,000 treatments, carried out 185 surgical programs, and have 400 passion filled volunteers who give up their time and effort, to change the lives of others.

Help us be a part of this life changing program and donate today.

Thank you

Nadine & Farida

View, a staff member at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, helped Nadine and Farida translate their educational posters into the Thai language. 

November 1

Safe travels to Nadine, Farida and Kyla! 

Students, Nadine and Farida, along with Student Program Coordinator, Kyla, are traveling to help transform the lives of children with cleft conditions during Operation Smile Thailand's surgical program in Mae Sot.

A Student's Journey: Discovering the Heart of Operation Smile in Mae Sot

Nadine, a student volunteer, recently returned from the November 2024 Operation Smile surgical program in Mae Sot, Thailand, transformed by her experience. Her reflections offer a powerful glimpse into the dedication, compassion, and impact that define Operation Smile's work.

"I was overwhelmed by what happens behind the scenes," Nadine shares. "Medical professionals, non-medical volunteers, imaging technicians, biomeds—everyone coming together with shared goals." Witnessing this collaborative effort, driven by selfless dedication, ignited a spark in Nadine, inspiring her to make a difference. "It's easy to think you can't make a difference in a small role," she reflects, "but together, we have a huge impact."

The experience profoundly shifted Nadine's perspective. "I zoomed out of my life and saw the bigger picture," she explains. "Small things like grades or missing a week of school pale in comparison to the time spent with these patients. Comforting someone before surgery…that means the world to me."

Meeting the patients and families in Mae Sot was a pivotal moment for Nadine. "It's easy to say 'there are people struggling around the world,' but seeing real struggles firsthand puts things into perspective," she says. The resilience and joy of the children, despite their hardships, deeply touched her. "They didn't need big amusement parks to be happy," she observes. "Small toys brought them so much joy. It humbled me and showed me how much I have to be grateful for."

Nadine's interaction with Fatima, a burns patient, left a lasting impression. "Hearing her story and seeing her kindness, despite all she's endured, was incredibly valuable," Nadine recounts. "There is so much beauty beyond appearance." Fatima's strength inspired Nadine to approach her own life with greater resilience and less stress.

The experience has fueled Nadine's passion for Operation Smile. "I have new energy to put into our school club," she says. "Seeing the real impact of Operation Smile's work gives you a stronger drive. You know your efforts are helping children and families." She plans to share her experiences to inspire others to join the cause.

Nadine encourages future student volunteers to embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. "Don't stress about missing school," she advises. "This trip will help you see what truly matters in life. Interact with the patients and families. Talk to them, play with them, and offer comfort. Bonding with them helps you understand the real value of the trip and the transformative power of these surgeries." She also emphasizes the importance of supporting family members, recognizing the emotional toll of the experience on everyone involved.

Reflecting on the student program team's role, Nadine expresses newfound appreciation. "They bring comfort and ease to patients and families facing challenging circumstances," she says. "Decorating the ward, playing with the children, and providing comfort before surgery—it's all incredibly amazing."

Nadine's journey highlights the profound impact of Operation Smile, not only on the patients and families served but also on the volunteers who dedicate their time and compassion. Her story is a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative potential of service. Thank you, Nadine, for sharing your inspiring experience.