Nonprofit Celebrates 36 Years of Transforming Lives
Staff Writer
In May 2025, Operation of Hope, a US/Canadian volunteer surgical team, will embark on its 32nd mission to Zimbabwe, offering free facial reconstructive surgeries to over 90 children and adults.
The nonprofit, which has provided more than 5,000 free cleft surgeries in Zimbabwe since 2006, continues its mission to restore confidence and improve lives.
Screening Days at Mpilo Hospital
Screening for prospective patients will be conducted on Saturday, May 3rd, and May 11th, 2025, at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. The team, composed of board-certified reconstructive surgeons and 18 other dedicated medical volunteers, will perform life-changing surgeries for individuals with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities.
The Power of a Smile
“Having an attractive smile is crucial not only for self-esteem but also for the ability to interact effectively in society,” said Jennifer Mora Trubenbach, President of Operation of Hope.
“Some of these children don’t have a smile at all. They often cover their mouths and are hidden from school or church due to a condition that is relatively easy to fix.”
A Mission Fueled by Generosity
Operation of Hope relies on donations from private citizens, corporate sponsors, and the dedication of medical volunteers who provide their services free of charge.
“People often ask if we are independently wealthy to do this work,” Trubenbach remarked.
“The reality is, we’re just passionate individuals who want to make a difference. Many of our volunteers, including retired professionals, choose this work over leisure because they love helping people.”
Many nurses and volunteers fundraise their own travel expenses, sharing their mission with family and friends.
“Our funding comes from ordinary people with big hearts who understand the hardship of needing a surgery they can’t afford,” Trubenbach added.
“And we love the beautiful people of Zimbabwe and their incredible spirit.”
Corporate and Government Support
Schweppes Zimbabwe is assisting the mission by providing juice and water to help keep patients hydrated before and after surgery, aiding in their recovery.
“It’s more than just a donation; hydration is critical for safe procedures and healing,” Trubenbach noted.
Econet is helping spread awareness of the free surgeries, especially in rural areas. Additionally, the Ministry of Health waived Medical and Nursing Council fees for the volunteer team last year, saving thousands of dollars in registration costs. Operation of Hope hopes for a similar waiver for the upcoming mission.
A Global Effort
This year’s volunteer team includes medical professionals from Canada and multiple U.S. states, including California, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, and Massachusetts. Emirates Airlines, in partnership with the Emirates Foundation, has also helped offset airfare costs for volunteers.
In the US, cleft surgery costs range from $35,000 to $80,000 per patient, but Operation of Hope ensures that Zimbabwean patients receive these life-changing procedures entirely free of charge.
Through their continued efforts, the nonprofit gives children and adults a second chance at life, offering them a future where they can smile with confidence.
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