This past Thursday, we had the pleasure of hearing from two officers of Mending Faces: Maya Brook, Executive Director, and Dr. Chris Biety, DDS, MS, Executive Officer. Recently, Broomfield Rotary awarded Mending Faces a $5,000 grant. Ms. Brook and Dr. Biety visited us to thank us and let us know how some of the money was used.
Mending Faces is a non-profit organization that provides free surgeries to children born with cleft lip and cleft palate. Their team of doctors and volunteers travel to countries such as Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines to perform these surgeries. They work with on-the-ground coordinators such as local Rotary clubs to help find patients, complete health screenings, ship medical equipment, license medical staff, organize transport for patients and their families, and make arrangements with hospitals and local doctors.
Maya explained that in 2023, the $5,000 grant from Broomfield Rotary helped support such missions as their recent one to Kailbo, Philippines. There they helped 75 patients with 29 cleft lips, 38 cleft palates, 2 rhinoplasties, 1 frenectomy, and 2 keloid excision. While all medical, dental, and outreach personnel donate their time and expertise and fund 100% of their own travel and lodgings , grants such as this one help provide the equipment and supplies needed for the surgeries.
It’s inspiring to see organizations like Mending Faces making a difference in the world by providing life-changing surgeries to those in need. Thank you Maya Brook and Dr. Chris Biety for your outstanding work and your gift of love to these children.