Draft:Operation of Hope

Operation of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-changing surgical care and healthcare training in underserved regions of the world. Founded in 1988, Operation of Hope primarily focuses on performing facial reconstructive surgeriesfor individuals with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions, particularly in children. The organization is led by Jennifer Trubenbach and operates with the support of medical and non-medical volunteers, as well as corporate and individual sponsors. Their mission statement describes their goal as "to bring real hope to children in need of corrective facial surgery."

Since its inception, Operation of Hope has performed over 4,856 surgeries across various countries, including Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and Ecuador. The organization emphasizes community engagement and partnerships, often collaborating with local hospitals and medical missions, such as JP Clawson Medical Missions.

Operation of Hope relies primarily on individual donations to fund its missions and cover the costs of medical supplies, travel, and volunteer support. The organization currently includes over 362 volunteers, encompassing both medical professionals and non-medical personnel who support logistical and operational aspects. These volunteers help facilitate the missions, coordinate patient care, and provide follow-up support where needed.

The organization’s work has gained media recognition and has been featured on platforms such as The Oprah Winfrey Show and People Magazine. This media exposure has helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with cleft conditions and the transformative impact of surgical intervention. Through such visibility, Operation of Hope has attracted additional support and resources to expand its global outreach.

As Operation of Hope continues its work, it remains focused on addressing critical healthcare needs in resource-limited settings. The organization aims to increase its reach, providing a higher volume of surgeries and further developing its training programs for local healthcare providers. These efforts align with its broader vision of creating lasting, positive change within communities through sustainable healthcare solutions.