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.
