Dominican Republic Medical Mission 2026

Our team is currently returning from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In just six days, our volunteer doctors and nurses treated 35 patients, performing 18 cleft palate repairs, 8 cleft lip surgeries, 10 hand procedures, and one rhinoplasty. Of these patients, 30 were aged 21 and under, and five were adults.

We are deeply grateful for our amazing volunteers and for our partnership with FNE International and Clinica Cruz Jiminian - we couldn't have done this without you. We also want to thank YOU, our supporters. Your contributions made this medical mission possible, providing new smiles and changing lives for the better.

Our volunteers shared the following reflections on the experience:

"In just a few short days, so many lives have been touched through the skill, compassion, and teamwork of this incredible group of volunteers and healthcare professionals. The resilience of these children, the gratitude of the families, and the joy that follows each successful surgery has been unforgettable to witness. So much hope, healing, and heart packed into a single week." — Tracy Dailey, Medical Mission Volunteer

"It was inspiring to watch the team interact with the children. Every team member truly loves what they are doing. The compassion, patience, and genuine care they showed each child was evident throughout the day. Seeing the trust in the children’s eyes and the gratitude from their families is something I will not forget." — Roelf Thompson, Medical Mission Photographer

Day 5 – Discharges and More Surgeries

Day 5 – Discharges and More Surgeries, Tracy Dailey


Today brought 4 more smiling faces discharged home and 3 more facial surgeries completed, along with several additional outpatient procedures throughout the day.


By now, what once felt like organized chaos has transformed into a beautiful rhythm. Every part of the team moves together with such purpose and compassion—from pre-op, to the operating room, to recovery, to the ward. The coordination behind the scenes is incredible to witness, and somehow each day seems to run even smoother than the last.


As the mission begins wrapping up tomorrow, there’s a bittersweet feeling settling in. In just a few short days, so many lives have been touched through the skill, compassion, and teamwork of this incredible group of volunteers and healthcare professionals.


The resilience of these children, the gratitude of the families, and the joy that follows each successful surgery has been unforgettable to witness. So much hope, healing, and heart packed into a single week.

Day 4 – More Discharges and Surgeries

Day 4 – More Discharges and Surgeries, Tracy Dailey

Today brought 7 more smiling families discharged home and 4 more facial surgeries completed. Our youngest patient was just 7 months old, and our oldest was 4 years old.

Watching each part of the team come together to care for these children has been incredible to witness. From the surgical waiting area, to the operating room, to PACU, and finally to the ward, every patient is carried through the day by so many caring hands across two very busy hospital floors.

What has impressed me most is the coordination happening behind the scenes. I’ve caught glimpses of the constant communication, schedule changes, and problem-solving required to keep everything moving smoothly—and I’m truly in awe of how gracefully this team navigates it all.

Each day continues to remind me how much compassion, teamwork, and dedication go into changing lives one surgery at a time.

Day 3 — Discharges and More Surgeries

Day 3 — Discharges and More Surgeries - By Tracy Dailey


This morning, patients from yesterday’s surgeries were happily discharged home with new healing smiles and faces. Many left wearing handmade gowns and even newly decorated shoes. Their resilience after just one night was incredible to witness.


Today brought 7 more surgeries, along with a few additional adult cases that the surgical team graciously took on using local anesthesia. One of those patients was the caregiver of one of our pediatric patients earlier today, and her gratitude for the care she received today was deeply touching.


By day three, the team is working like a well-oiled machine. Each day we continue refining our process, allowing everything to run even more smoothly. It’s hard to believe it’s only day three — so much has been packed into each day in the very best ways.

Day 2 — The Surgeries Begin

Day 2 — The Surgeries Begin, By Tracy Dailey

Today was our first full surgery day with Mending Faces. What began as 7 scheduled surgeries quickly became 8 after two additional cases were added and only one needed to be moved to tomorrow.

Our patients today ranged from just 18 months old to 11 years old, and every single one of them showed incredible bravery — along with the family members waiting patiently beside them. One of the older boys proudly practiced his English with us, and he was very good at it. In return, everyone showed so much kindness and patience with my attempts at Spanish.

One of the most amazing parts of today was witnessing the operating room in action. Watching this team of surgeons, anesthesia providers, PA’s, nurses, and staff work together so seamlessly — despite limitations that would be unimaginable in many U.S. hospitals — was truly inspiring. Their skill, teamwork, and heart were evident in every moment.

A particularly touching moment for my mom came when a returning mother gently tapped her on the shoulder and showed her photos on her phone from last year — pictures of my mom holding her child during their first surgery trip. This year, that same sweet boy returned for the second stage of his journey and another life-changing surgery.

It was a beautiful reminder that these missions are about so much more than procedures. They’re about relationships, hope, healing, and getting to witness lives being changed one child at a time. 


Through the eyes of a Photographer

By Roelf Thompson

Yesterday was intake and screening day with Mending Faces here in the Dominican Republic. As the team photographer, I spent the day documenting volunteers, patients, and families as each child was photographed holding their file for medical records. What stayed with me most was the desperation and hope in the eyes of so many parents seeking help for their children. Despite the medical challenges these children face, they were still playful, smiling, and full of life.

It was amazing to see a child return after receiving surgery during a previous mission. The transformation was incredible to witness. You could see the trust this family had in the team and the confidence they felt returning for continued care and support. It was a reminder that this mission is not only changing appearances, but truly changing lives and giving children hope for the future.

It was inspiring to watch the team interact with the children. It is hard to fully describe unless you experience it in person, but you could clearly see that every team member truly loves what they are doing. The compassion, patience, and genuine care they showed each child was evident throughout the day. Seeing the trust in the children’s eyes and the gratitude from their families is something I will not forget.

The entire experience affected me more than I expected. At times I became so emotionally invested in what I was witnessing that I almost forgot I was there as the photographer. I will try to spend the rest of the mission staying more focused behind the camera, but after just one day, I can already tell that is going to be difficult.

Day 1 of the Dominican Republic Medical Mission 2026 — Screening Day 


Day 1 — Screening Day, Tracy Dailey

Today we screened 24 precious children, including a few sweet faces returning from last year. Seeing their bright eyes and hopeful smiles reminds us why this work matters so much.

On Mother’s Day, it feels especially meaningful to witness the incredible love, patience, and strength of these moms and grandmothers as they bring their babies to be scheduled for life-changing surgeries this week.

Grateful to be here and honored to be part of their journey. 

As I return to the routine of my daily life, I will hold on to many beautiful memories of this experience

Karli Jacobson, Kalibo Volunteer:

Medical missions sound enticing to many of us in healthcare. Travel somewhere cool, and do some good while you’re there - feel good stuff.

The reality is far more profound. Going into this mission, I thought of cleft lip and cleft palate as medical diagnoses, with the associated physical difficulties of nourishment, hydration, and speech. I was unaware of the extent of social and psychological ostracism. Not allowed to attend school, because your face is distracting to other children. Being isolated from society and given menial tasks at home. That is the hard realization. Once their faces are mended, school becomes a possibility…IF their families have the means to pay for school. Each heartbreaking reality has a follow up challenge. 

As I return to the routine of my daily life, I will hold on to many beautiful memories of this experience. 

When we take off our mask, and come out of operating room to get the next patient, there are these moments of impact you feel deeply in your soul. There is an understanding and appreciation passed through a moment of eye contact with a fearful yet grateful parent; the snuggles and giggles you share with the kiddos; cradling a frightened toddler in a room full of masks and the smiling eyes of strangers; and there are the tears that are shed for joy and pain…it changes you. It clarifies your priorities. 

I leave Kalibo determined to return, for the sake of providing these beautiful children with dignity, hope, a potential for education…and a big smile!!

Serving with Love: Our Journey with Mending Faces

This past mission has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of our lives. My wife, Lindsey Welker, and I, Joe Welker, share an immense passion for children, and we were honored to support the medical mission through Mending Faces, an incredible organization dedicated to providing cleft lip and palate surgeries for kids in need.

Leaving our own families and children back home in Colorado was not easy, but we knew the call to serve was greater. Each child we met reminded us why this work matters—because every smile restored is a future transformed. To Be witness the courage of these young patients and the gratitude of their families was a gift beyond measure.

We have a deep love for the people of the Philippines. Their warmth, resilience, and kindness touched us profoundly, and we feel blessed to have been welcomed into their community. This mission was not just about medical care—it was about connection, compassion, and hope.

We look forward with joy and anticipation to returning again, continuing to serve alongside Mending Faces, and helping more children step into brighter futures with confidence and smiles that light up the world.

Moments of Magic in Kalibo

Moments of Magic, Lindsey Welker Outreach Volunteer

There are moments in life that are so magical, they are hard to explain in words, moments that reshape you. I want to share my experience with you. What began as a trip to serve alongside my husband in the Philippines with Mending Faces became something far more personal. It felt a little like stepping into a Disney story. Not the fairytale version, but the kind where growth happens in the middle of uncertainty. I didn’t yet realize how deeply this experience would shape me. This was my husband Joe’s second mission. My first. He tried to explain what it would be like, and I listened; however, no amount of description could have prepared me for what I experienced. As a school counselor, I spend my days helping children navigate big emotions and trying to help them build resiliency through the setbacks, the fears and the hard chapters in their lives that feel overwhelming. I never anticipated the courage and resiliency I was blessed to witness in the children and their families in Kalibo. They were so incredibly brave. It was inspiring! Last year, I showed up to the ER dressed as Elsa after my son broke his collarbone on Halloween. I learned that night that even in painful places, a little magic can shift the atmosphere. This moment was what gave life to me dressing up for the kids in the Philippines. The simple idea became something so much bigger than I ever could have imagined. I thought I was bringing smiles. I thought I was bringing the magic. But the truth is… the children brought the magic to me. They reminded me that courage doesn’t always roar. That strength can be gentle. That joy can exist even before the “happily ever after.” They have absolutely captured my heart!

To the entire Mending Faces team, the beautiful humans who serve so selflessly, you are the real heroes in this story. A quote from Hercules, “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.” I saw that heart in every hallway, every operating room, every embrace. Thank you for welcoming me into something so much bigger than myself. Disney stories always end with transformation. This one did too. And I will carry this chapter in my heart forever.


Outreach in the Community

Outreach in the Community- By Volunteer, William H. Heatter III

We are here in the Philippines on a medical mission with Mending Faces, restoring smiles for children and adults born with cleft lip and cleft palate. But yesterday, our work reached beyond the walls of the operating room and into something just as sacred.

Our outreach team had the profound honor of visiting a native ATI village in Aklan, Kalibo, Philippines. We walked the narrow paths into their community carrying care packages and simple hygiene supplies. We meet with children, teaching them how to care for their teeth. We laughed. We sang. We danced. We learned. We shared smiles, big and small.

Their way of life is not built on comfort or excess. It is built on survival. No luxuries. No conveniences. Just earth beneath their feet, families beside them, and hearts wide open. And yet, standing there among them, it became clear, while they may have very little by the world’s standards, they possess something many never find: Connection, gratitude, and a deep, unshaken sense of enough.

They reminded us that humanity is not measured by what we own, but by how we show up for one another. That love does not require abundance. That dignity lives in simplicity. That when we reach across differences with open hands, we discover how deeply intertwined we humans truly are.

We arrived thinking we were there to give. We left knowing we had received something far greater. Yesterday was not just beautiful. It was humbling. And these beautiful souls are forever etched into our hearts.

A Nurse's First Mission: Kalibo 2026

My name is Michele Hiner. I’ve been a Registered Nurse for 15 years and this is my first medical mission. I’ve known about Mending Faces for quite a while and am so fortunate that it finally worked out for me to join the team on this trip, especially since my husband (Brandon Hiner - surgical assistant) and daughter (Isabel Hiner) were able to come as well. I knew that by joining this mission I would get to play a part in changing the lives of children; what I wasn’t prepared for was how much these tiny little patients and their families would change me and my nursing practice. These families have so little compared to the United States, yet their genuine contentment and joy is absolutely infectious. They make do with what they have and take pride in it, and the healthcare we provide while here reflects that. We don’t have all of the conveniences of home - there aren’t high tech monitoring systems, or expensive OR equipment, or even much air conditioning; yet we make do with what we have and still provide the highest quality of safe patient care with beautiful outcomes that any OR team would be proud of. This mission work is the very heart of healthcare -  individuals of different backgrounds and cultures coming together to use their skill, expertise, and available resources to work towards the singular goal of improving the lives of others…. And it’s all done with joy and a SMILE.

My First Medical Mission, Isabel Hiner

My name is Isabel Hiner. I’m 15 years old, and I came on this medical mission trip to the Philippines for the first time with my parents, who are also here for the first time working with Mending Faces, performing procedures on cleft lip and palate patients. Being part of this experience has already been so eye-opening and impactful—something I will truly cherish. I got involved through my parents and our close family friends, the Lababadis, who play a big role in the organization. When I first heard about the opportunity, I was nervous to be involved in something that would impact others’ lives so deeply, but I was also so excited to know there was a place and a job for me. Even though I’m young, I can still help make a difference. I’ve been meeting all the kids and their families in the role they call Outreach, alongside our very own “Princess” Lindsey and the experienced Randy. We work to make the families’ experience more fun and memorable—bringing toys, laughter, and of course, smiles. It’s amazing that this group gives people the chance to be part of something that truly changes these kids’ lives.

The people I’ve met and worked with are incredibly talented, but even more than that, they are kind and welcoming to beginners like me. Whether I’m helping with small tasks, doing busy work, or getting the opportunity to observe procedures, every moment feels like a learning experience. Each role matters, and it’s inspiring to see the care, teamwork, and dedication that go into every patient.

It’s incredible to watch everyone come together under the leadership of Jay and Mimi, who bring us all together and make this mission possible, as well as our undercover Carrie Labadidi, whose organization, strength, and friendship guide us. A special shoutout to our PACU nurse Merry for her sarcastic humor and wise insight—she has been so lovely to get to know. The ward team, whom I have been working closely with, has also been so welcoming and wonderful. It is truly inspiring to see this group changing so many young lives. I’m so grateful to be part of Mending Faces and to experience the impact we’re making together.

Kalibo, Philippines Mission 2026: Screening Day

Our team has arrived! 51 children arrived to screening day- ready to meet the plastic surgeons that will perform their life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries!

Thoughts from Randy and Gale Knight, Outreach Volunteers:

In a quiet corner of the Philippines, where hope often travels long distances, a story unfolded as we planned out our medical mission providing free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries with Mending Faces. We shared word of this outreach with the McKay family back home, who realized that a very young relative of theirs, living far away within The Philippines, needed this very procedure. What followed felt like a chain of small miracles: messages passed from person to person, plans coordinated across miles, and hearts moved to help. Through persistence, generosity, and perfect timing, the child was able to travel four hours to our mission site, arriving in time to receive this life-changing care.

Moments like these remind us that compassion has no borders and kindness often moves through ordinary people doing extraordinary things. For this child and family, the surgery meant more than medical treatment; it meant confidence, opportunity, and a future reshaped. For our team, it was a powerful affirmation of why we serve. Sometimes the greatest impact begins with a simple connection and when people come together with purpose, lives truly can be transformed.

 



After the Medical Mission: Thoughts From Volunteers

-The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others-

Thoughts from our Dominican Republic Medical Mission 2025 Volunteers:

Diane- I came to change a life - it was amazing.

Jane - I was just trying to find myself and my purpose. I learned early on that serving others is a good way of life. 

JD - I have been doing this for seven years. I love kids and find it very rewarding. 

Audrey- I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to serve, connect with incredible people, and witness the impact made on children’s lives. Leaving the DR with a full heart, renewed purpose, and deep gratitude for it all. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Barb- I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this life-changing medical mission. As my first year attending, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but from the very beginning, I was welcomed with open arms and felt immediately at home. The group was so well blended, full of passionate, kind-hearted people, and I am honored to have shared this experience with each of you.

Witnessing the impact this mission had on so many children has shifted my perspective in ways I can’t fully describe. It made me realize how fortunate we are to have access to comforts and care that others may never know. I’ve come away with a renewed sense of purpose, humility, and gratitude.

To my friends and teammates—thank you for your generosity, your spirit, and for allowing me to be part of something so meaningful. This mission has changed me, and I will carry its lessons and memories with me always. I will never forget this experience, and I am already looking forward to the next opportunity to serve alongside all of you.




Dominican Mission 2025: 47 New Smiles!

Our Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Mission, from May 11-16th 2025, was a HUGE success. In just six days we treated 47 young patients, including 17 cleft lips and 33 cleft palates.A child born with a cleft lip and/or palate faces malnutrition, constant illness, and social stigma.  
47 children now have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives in their communities!

A big shout out to our  partners: Clinica Cruz Jiminian and FNE International, and all of the volunteers, facilitators, doctors and nurses! It takes a village to pull off a successful mission and this was truly the manifestation of unbelievable teamwork.

Thoughts from Outreach Volunteer, Barb Pickels

"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this life-changing medical mission. As my first year attending, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but from the very beginning, I was welcomed with open arms and felt immediately at home.

Witnessing the impact this mission had on so many children has shifted my perspective in ways I can’t fully describe. It made me realize how fortunate we are to have access to comforts and care that others may never know. I’ve come away with a renewed sense of purpose, humility, and gratitude.

This mission has changed me, and I will carry its lessons and memories with me always. I will never forget this experience, and I am already looking forward to the next opportunity to serve."

Dominican Republic Mission 2025

May 10th: Arrival Day – Mission to the Dominican Republic

Today marked the beginning of our journey to bring life-changing surgeries to children in the Dominican Republic. Volunteer doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and support teams arrived and settled in, ready to make a difference. While today was focused on travel and getting acquainted with the area, we were deeply moved by the vibrant architecture, flavorful local cuisine, rhythmic music, and the warmth of the people. Tomorrow, the real work begins—a week of healing and hope.

May 11th: Screening Day Reflections

Today was intense. The elevator broke—with essential operating room equipment stuck inside. After finally retrieving it, we had to carry everything up two flights of stairs. Despite the chaos, families waited patiently in long lines, all in hopes of securing surgery for their children with mouth deformities.

The day may have started with hurdles, but it ended with hope. Screening is complete, and plans are in motion to help many children this week. Grateful for this mission and the strength of this team.

Miss Dominican Republic visiting patients waiting for cleft lip and/or palate surgery.

May 12th: Day 1 Update: A Promising Start

Our first day of surgeries went smoothly and successfully. The children were kept entertained, and their families were well cared for with meals and support as they waited. Already, we’re hearing heartfelt words of appreciation from parents who are seeing the difference the surgeries are making.

Tomorrow, we’ll visit the recovering children to check on their progress and extend a warm welcome to the new arrivals. So thankful to everyone who made today possible. Their efforts are already changing lives.

The 2024 Medical Mission in Biñan, Philippines: Mended Faces, Restored Hope

The 2024 Medical Mission in Biñan, Philippines: Mended Faces, Restored Hope

Our team of doctors, nurses, and admin, came from all over the world to bring new smiles and new hope to children and their families.

In total our team provided: 13 cleft lip surgeries, 25 cleft palate surgeries, one rhinoplasty, for a total of 38 patients! 

Thank you to the city of Biñan, and our partners in the Philippines. And THANK YOU for your support!
 
“After watching (my wife) Gale serve with Mending Faces over the years, I finally decided to step out of my comfort zone of serving locally downtown Detroit and join the team," said Randy, an Outreach volunteer. 

"I don't regret it for a minute. These beautiful people who have so little are so appreciative. Two favorite moments were meeting Zoey Veragay whose infectious smile and laugh cut right to my heart. The other time was the last day of our time here when I went to check on the kids in the morning and a little angel named Shawn Aziel Arciaga lurched at me to hold him. After 10 minutes, it took a few adults to pry him away - leaving me completely filled. This mission does far more good than people at home realize. I was so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. This team rocks!” 

Day 4!

Day 4 of our Medical Mission in Biñan, Philippines was a busy day for the team! 

The surgeons completed 5 cleft lip surgeries and 5 cleft palate surgeries on 5 boys and 5 girls.
 
“The Mending Faces mission is truly amazing and life changing," said Joe, one of our volunteers. "It is beautiful work we are doing, simply wonderful. We are in a poverty stricken area of the Philippines and some of these families have taken multiple ferries from other islands just to get here. Handing these little angels off to their moms after they recover, is just so amazing. The parents' tears of love seeing their child's new smile for the first time is a moment I will never forget. One mom gave me the biggest hug and told me thank you for giving them hope and giving their baby hope. The Mending Faces Mission is forever impacting the world and making a true difference. It is an honor to be part of an organization with colleagues who care to make the world a better place.”