Baptist Children’s Hospital Gives the Gift of Happy Smiles

Changing lives one smile at a time. Seven South Florida children and teens were selected to receive the gift of a happy smile during Baptist Children’s Hospital’s Day of Smiles on June 21. Doctors from various specialties, along with nurses, technologists and other staff donated their time and expertise to provide free corrective facial surgeries to children whose families could not otherwise afford the procedures.

Before the sun was up, the hospital was alive with excitement and anticipation as the young patients and their families arrived.  By morning’s end, doctors had repaired cleft lips and palates, performed nose and scar revisions and completed ear reconstructions.

“It only takes a little bit of our time, but it impacts these children and their families for a lifetime,” said Joel Levin, M.D., chief of plastic surgery. “I really enjoy being part of this day.” In addition to Dr. Levin, other doctors who donated their services were John Cassel, M.D., Josh Lampert, M.D., Johnny Franco, M.D., Jhonny Salomon, M.D., Victor Gonzalez, M.D., Alfredo Fernandez, M.D., and Matthew J. Kaczmarski, M.D. More than 30 other healthcare providers also volunteered that day.

(Photo: Maria DeAragon, R.N., and Ta’niya Times, 7, playfully interact before her surgery.)

This is the 13th year the hospital has donated its facilities and performed free operations for children in need. “Baptist Children’s Hospital is committed to providing exceptional, compassionate care for children and families in our community,” said Randall Lee, chief operating officer of Baptist Children’s Hospital. “Touching a child’s life in this way brings tremendous satisfaction to everyone involved, and we are proud to provide this special day.”

To be eligible for Day of Smiles, patients must meet certain surgical and financial guidelines. Participants must be 18 years of age or younger and residents of Miami-Dade, Broward or Monroe County. For more information about financial guidelines for Day of Smiles 2015, please call Pastoral Care at 786-596-6577.

Baptist Children’s Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in South Florida. It also includes Baptist Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services.

Contact: Damaris Zabala; 786-596-6534