Throughout my life I have been compelled by my desire to help people, all people. 

 Whether that meant starting an orphanage in Tunisia, volunteering with Operation Smile on missions in Vietnam and Peru, or simply opening my house up to anyone who needs a place to stay, I’ve always felt that I was born to be able provide support for any person that I can help.

 I am feeling this now, at an entirely different level and with a sense of urgency unlike anything I’ve ever seen or experienced before.  For more than 2 years now, violence and civil war has afflicted the country of Syria, the birthplace of both my parents and home to many of my relatives.  Since the violence began, Syria’s neighbors have taken in nearly 1.5 million refugees, fleeing the country.

On June 25^th 2013, I will embark on one of the most important journeys of my life.  I will be going to Amman, Jordan, one of Syria’s bordering countries, on an International Medical Mission with Operation Smile where they will provide free, reconstructive surgery for children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. What is closest to my heart is that we will be making a trip to the Zaatari Refugee Camp, north of Amman, to identify potential Syrian patients and assist in bringing them to the Operation Smile mission where they will be able to receive sorely needed care for their cleft deformities.

 This will be quite a big undertaking, with our ultimate goal being to reach as many Syrian and Jordanian children as possible and provide them with a life-altering surgery for their cleft lips and palates.  We would appreciate any support that you are able to provide which can be done by  by making a contribution to Operation Smile through the 3 Moms for Jordan link:

www.operationsmile.org/threemomsjordan    

 With Gratitude,

Daneia