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

We understand that healing is more than physical. That’s why we connect children and families with emotional and mental health support, helping them rebuild their self-esteem and thrive beyond surgery.

By working with top pediatric surgeons and hospitals, such as Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital, we ensure every child we sponsor receives expert care and safe, effective treatment throughout their healing journey.

Grounded in personal experience and deep compassion, LiftedSmiles operates by partnering with local hospitals, specialized surgeons, and dedicated donors. We bring together medical expertise, financial sponsorship, and emotional care to help children with facial differences receive the life-changing surgeries and support they deserve.

Medical & Surgical Support

We actively engage with local communities to identify families in need, spread awareness, and inspire compassion. Our goal is to create a growing network of advocates, volunteers, and supporters who believe in lifting smiles and changing lives.

Our Team

Fernando Vasques

My name is Fernando Vasques, I’m currently a Junior at Windermere High School. I was born in São Paulo, Brazil with a facial deformity in my jaw, thankfully my parents had the financial opportunity to seek treatment, and I’m currently getting ready for my last surgery in a few months. I understand the blessing I have, some people aren’t fortunate to also have it, so I was inspired to create this organization. In hopes of working with specialized doctors to help the families and children by fundraising and spreading awareness, to achieve sponsoring for them, and even providing health insurance!

Founder