THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 23, 1995 TAG: 9503220131
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARIE SANKARAN High School, Correspondent
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Cleft lips and cleft palates are relatively uncommon in the United g1mssmile Sankaran
States, but they are far more prevalent in poverty-stricken areas of countries such as the Philippines, China, Colombia and Russia.
With the help of volunteers, many of them local teenagers, Operation Smile has been able to provide free medical treatment to children with these deformities.
Operation Smile is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee, a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathy.
Lou Hsin, 17, a senior at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, traveled to Kenya last October. ``Working 12 to 14 hours a day was a grueling experience,'' Hsin said, ``but well worth it. It gave me a sense of satisfaction that I have never felt before.''
Not only does Operation Smile provide medical treatment, it also provides education. In Kenya, Hsin taught children in the local schools about the importance of dental hygiene and nutrition.
Operation Smile is based in Norfolk, but there are ``Happy Clubs'' all over the United States. These school clubs are made up of students of all ages who support Operation Smile by raising funds and supplies.
Students who would like to get involved should call Tania Neuschafer, Operation Smile Youth Coordinator, at 625-0375. MEMO: Marie Sankaran is a junior at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
The P-Nut City Pickers will lead the grand ole hoe-down at the fifth
annual Sing for the Children concerts April 1 and 2 at Nansemond
River High School. Proceeds will provide Y scholarships for
underprivileged children.
by CNB