Diana Rico's Miles for Smiles

There have been many opportunities in life.  I have been fortunate enough to have an opportunity to take advantage of participating in a journey that holds a special place in my heart.   In September I will embark with a group of adventurous souls to trek the Camino de Santiago.  It will be a six-day 72-mile trek from the border of Portugal to the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.  The purpose of this journey is two fold: raising awareness and funds for the Smile Network and helping change the lives of children with cleft lips and palates.  

A bit about the Smile Network:

Smile Network is a non-profit, Minnesota based, humanitarian organization that performs surgeries on children born with a birth defect of a cleft lip or palate.  While most children born with this defect in the United States have surgery available to them right away, children in the third world countries will often live with this defect for years.  They are oftentimes shunned from their communities, even left on the side of the road because they are seen as a curse in some villages.   Smile Network is truly amazing because it is one of few charities where most everyone connected to it is a volunteer.  The doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists, all volunteer their time and talent on the surgical missions as well as individuals like me who are dedicated to raising awareness and money for the cause by participating in the trek.  

For as little as $500.00 and in the time frame of just 45 minutes, Smile Network is able to repair a child’s birth defect and restore joy and dignity to their lives.  This procedure if done in the United States would cost around $20,000.00.  

You should know two things:   Every penny raised will go to sponsor surgeries on an upcoming surgical mission, and your donation is 100% tax deductible.  

I am very fortunate to be able to contribute to this miracle that can happen in the lives of these children.   The journey to fund a surgical mission can begin today.  Donations for any amount are welcomed and very much appreciated.