Lisa Johnson's Miles for Smiles

As I thought about my impending (gulp) 60th birthday, I decided I wanted to do something purpose driven to mark this somewhat humbling milestone. When a group of friends invited me to participate in a journey that will change the lives of children around the world, I jumped at the chance.  In September I will embark with this group of adventurous women to trek the Camino de Santiago.  This trek is a six-day 75-mile trek from the border of Portugal to the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.  The purpose of this journey is twofold: raising awareness and funds for the Network and helping change the lives of children with cleft lips and palates.  

A bit about the Smile Network:

Smile Network is a Minnesota based, nonprofit 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 developing 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 is a volunteer.  The doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists 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.   

In the space of 45-minutes and for just $500, Smile Network is able to repair a child’s birth defect and restore joy and dignity to their lives.  In the United States, this procedure would cost around $20,000.00.  

You should know two things:  Every penny I raise 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 combine my love for the outdoors, adventure and physical challenge with contributing to this miracle that can happen in the lives of these children.  Donations of any amount are welcomed and very much appreciated.