+ Children are part of everyone's community...

Here are some links to organizations that have been doing some wonderful work repairing the deformities (and the lives) of children around the world. In most cases medical professionals are donating their time and their resources to change the world for these children. Yes, even Dr. Robert Rey (Dr. 90210) has generously donated his skills.

"FACE TO FACE" is a humanitarian program conducted under the auspices of the Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS Foundation). In both this country and abroad our surgeons assist those who suffer from facial deformities caused by birth or trauma. Most of those who have been helped abroad have been children."

“Face to Face has two arms,” explains Steven J. Pearlman, M.D. president-elect of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. “An international arm does reconstructive work on patients in China, Vietnam and other places overseas. In the U.S., the program helps victims of domestic violence.”

Some physicians in The American Society of Plastic Surgeons take their surgical skills to some of the neediest people in the world through another global program, RSVP (Reconstructive Surgeons Volunteer Program.) Yet another organization, the 35-year-old Interplast, sends volunteer surgeons to about 25 sites around the world to correct disabled injuries and congenital deformities. About 54,000 life-changing operations have been given to impoverished patients.

"Austin Smiles" is a nonprofit organization which provides reconstructive plastic surgery, primarily cleft lip and palate repairs, to the children of Austin and the 10 county area surrounding Austin and in various locations in Latin America.