Proud Partner of OperationSmile: Join the movement and donate now! 💛 #liftedsmiles2025

LiftedSmiles is a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to helping children born with cleft palate smile with confidence.

How do we work?

Mental Health & Confidence Building

Community & Outreach

Healing goes far beyond surgery. LiftedSmiles is committed to supporting children emotionally as they navigate life with a facial difference. We promote confidence building, self-esteem support, and awareness initiatives that help children feel seen, valued, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Through our collaboration with Operation Smile, we ensure every child receives safe, high-quality cleft lip and cleft palate surgery from experienced medical teams. Their global network of surgeons, nurses, and volunteers provides world-class care that restores function, dignity, and hope.

LiftedSmiles operates through compassion, lived experience, and a commitment to creating real impact. As a youth-led initiative, we work directly with Operation Smile and trusted medical partners to connect children with the life-changing cleft care they deserve. By combining global medical expertise, financial sponsorship, and community-driven support, we help transform smiles, confidence, and futures.

Medical & Surgical Support

We work to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities to take action. By raising awareness, sharing stories, and leading local outreach efforts, we spark compassion and encourage others to join our mission. Together, we build a network of donors, advocates, and young leaders committed to uplifting children and changing lives—one smile at a time.

Our Team

Fernando Vasques

My name is Fernando Vasques, a Junior at Windermere High School. I was born in São Paulo, Brazil with a facial deformity that required multiple surgeries. Grateful for the treatment I received, I was inspired to create an organization that supports families and children facing similar challenges by fundraising, spreading awareness, and partnering with doctors to help provide medical care and health insurance.

Founder