Mending Faces Plans Two Major Medical Missions for 2026

Every child deserves the chance to smile with confidence. Mending Faces, a Colorado-based non-profit, recently announced its plans to provide free surgical care to children in the Philippines and the Dominican Republic next year. These medical missions will focus on repairing cleft lips and palates for underprivileged youth.

2026 Mission Schedule

Mending Faces has confirmed two primary trips for the upcoming year. The organization mobilizes teams of volunteer healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality surgical care.

• Kalibo, Philippines: Scheduled for February 2026.

• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Scheduled for May 2026.

The medical teams consist of plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, nurses, and surgical technicians. Most of these volunteers are based in Colorado. They donate their time and expertise while also funding their own travel expenses. This generosity allows the organization to provide surgeries completely free of charge to the patients.

Restoring Health and Confidence

A cleft lip or palate is more than a cosmetic concern. It can lead to serious health and social challenges for a growing child.

Dr. Mimi Wong, Co-Founder and Chair of Mending Faces, explains the gravity of the condition. She notes that children often face difficulties with feeding, proper nutrition, and speech. Upper respiratory and sinus infections are also common. Beyond physical health, the emotional toll can result in severe self-esteem issues and social isolation.

These procedures change that reality. The surgeries restore physical function and allow children to lead fuller, more confident lives.

Making a Tangible Difference

The financial impact of these missions is substantial. Mending Faces estimates that each trip provides more than $1 million in free surgical services. This calculation assumes an average cost of $12,500 per surgery for approximately 80 patients.

For the 2026 missions, the team aims to treat between 90 and 130 children.

Since its founding in 2010, the organization has built an impressive track record:

• 19 Medical Missions completed.

• Over 1,000 children have received new smiles.

• 50+ patients have received scholarships through the Education Fund.

Recent trips to Binan, Philippines, and Santo Domingo demonstrated this commitment, helping dozens of children in 2024 and 2025 alone.

Looking Ahead

Mending Faces continues to expand its reach and impact. By returning to the Philippines and the Dominican Republic in 2026, the team will alter the course of life for over a hundred children.

To support their work or find more details on the upcoming trips, visit the Mending Faces website.