Faustino: The Journey to a Smile

38-year-old Faustino walked for more than 10 hours over the Andes Mountains with his wife leading the way.

Faustino before cleft surgery walking

He arrived in Ayacucho, weary and exhausted, just for the chance to have his cleft lip repaired.

Faustino before cleft surgery sitting with his wife

 

As an Alpaca farmer in Peru with limited resources, Faustino lived 38 long years with an unrepaired cleft lip.

faustino before cleft surgery sitting with his wife and daughter

 

And in 45 short minutes, with the help of Smile Train, Faustino’s life was changed forever.

faustino resting after cleft surgery

 

After surgery, Faustino hurried to see his wife— she was his smile maker on his journey to a smile.

Faustino before cleft surgery in the waiting room with his wife

 

For the first time in his life Faustino saw his face in the mirror, with his wife right by his side. His new smile was a reflection 38 years in the making.

Faustino after cleft surgery looking at himself in the mirror

 

You can make the impossible possible by bringing Faustino's experience to more people.

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