Cambodia - September 7-11, 2009
TRIP STATISTICS:
| Surgical Team members: | Dental procedures: | 180 | |
| Dr. Byron Henry* | Cleft lip and palate procedures: | 17 | |
| Dr. Larry Herman | Cleft palates: | 7 | |
| Dr. Sara Runnels | Unilateral incomplete lips: | 4 | |
| Unilateral complete lips: | 4 | ||
| Dental Team members: | Bilateral incomplete lips: | 1 | |
| Dr. William Waddell | Bilateral complete lips: | 1 | |
| Dr. Jennifer Miller | Total Patients Treated | 197 |
Free to Smile Foundation traveled with a team of surgeons and dentists to Cambodia in early September, 2009 to help the under-served children in need. 
After nearly 2 days of travel, the team arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the home of their partner hospital, Angkor Hospital for Children(AHC). Enjoying the days rest and relaxation that followed the travel, the team was then prepared to fufill its Purpose. The design of the mission was for the surgical team to operate 5 days on children born with the cleft lip and palate deformity and the dental team to work in the rural villages of Cambodia and in the dental clinic at AHC.
The surgical team began its week with a screening of 24 patients, many of whom traveled long distances for a chance at being treated. The patients were between the ages of 2 months old to 10 years old. After evaluation and screening, it was determined that 17 patients would qualify for surgery.
After a week of hard work and commitment, 17 cleft lip and palate surgeries were completed. This was truly a successful week of surgery where no hope was transformed into hope. 17 children were changed and given a new chance at life.
The dental team worked throughout the week in the rural villages of Cambodia and in the dental clinic at AHC. The team performed 180 dental procedures throughout the week. Even in long days and excessive heat, the team prevailed with a true spirit of giving back to those children who need dental care the most.
After the weeks labor, the members of the team departed ways, hoping to meet again next year for the same purpose. Free to Smile Foundation wants to express true gratitude to the efforts and hard work of its volunteer team. Were it not for them, this work would not get accomplished. We also want to thank AHC for its partnership with Free to Smile Foundation and its great contribution to the thousands of children throughout Cambodia. Above all, we want to thank all of these 197 children who we had the privilege of helping throughout the week. They showed us true hope in the face of hardship. It is from them that we learn our many lessons of life.
Free to Smile Foundation looks with great anticipation to continue its work in Cambodia.
