Changing Lives One Smile at a Time: The Story of Smile Train
Since its founding in 1999, Smile Train has helped change the lives of millions of children born with cleft lips and palates. What started as a vision from Charles B. Wang has grown into a global movement powered by technology, passionate donors, and a deep belief that every child deserves a healthy, happy smile.
A History of Smiles and Milestones
The journey of Smile Train is more than just medical success. It is a powerful story about how individuals working together can make a difference. One of their earliest achievements came in 2001, when they launched Smile Train Express. This digital tool became the world’s largest database of cleft cases and allowed for better care and record keeping. It changed the way cleft surgeries were managed and helped doctors across the world deliver high quality treatment.
As Smile Train grew, so did its impact. In 2015, the organization launched a free app in Spanish called Speech Games and Practice. This tool gives kids with clefts access to speech therapy activities no matter where they live. It is just one of many ways Smile Train combines technology and compassion to help children heal and grow stronger.
In 2023, Smile Train celebrated a major milestone by performing its two millionth and two million and first surgeries in a small village in Indonesia. A father and his son, Alim and Rajib, received life changing cleft operations on the same day. That same year, Smile Train also set the world record for the largest online album of mouths, collecting over 21,000 smiles.
More Than Surgery: A Lifelong Impact
Smile Train is not only about fixing clefts. It is about giving children a future full of opportunity. The organization supports speech therapy, nutrition programs, and emotional care. All of this is made possible by generous donors and dedicated medical partners around the world.
Through their “It Starts with a Smile” video series, Smile Train has shown just how powerful one surgery can be. Former patients share their stories of confidence, success, and hope. From going to school without fear to landing their dream jobs, these kids grow up to do amazing things thanks to the care they received.
Smile Train has shown the world that big change starts with a small action. That action can be as simple as making a donation. If you want to help, give a child a perfect smile and a better life, donate to Smile Train today. Every smile counts.