On the operating table right now at 3:25 pm on February 22 is a 20-year-old young man named Jorge. As a 19-year-old, he was operated on here last year to correct his cleft palate that had never been corrected in his entire life. His speech was so bad that only his mother could understand him when he talked. He had become so discouraged in school that he dropped out several years ago. When we first met him, he was so shy he would hardly speak to anyone.

Dr. Philip Strawther repaired his cleft and asked him to return for additional superficial facial surgery this year. When Jorge showed up, we were delighted to hear that his speech had improved dramatically. He was very concerned about his appearance, however, so he was eager to see what magic Dr. Strawther could do for him this year.

Jorge has made friends among the teenagers in this team, and they are all in there watching the surgery. One is videotaping it for Jorge to see later.

It was so heartwarming last night to see Jorge playing "Shark" with the kids and kicking the hacky sack with vigor. This would have never happened last year! We can only imagine how much more positive he'll be feeling about life this time next year. This has truly been a life-changing experience for him.