|
The Rotary Club of Fallbrook is requesting $1,250 in District Designated Funds to match a $1,250 contribution from the club, creating a total project budget of $2,500. The funds will be provided to Thousand Smiles Foundation to purchase essential surgical supplies used in cleft lip, cleft palate, and related reconstructive procedures for underserved children in Baja California, Mexico.
Thousand Smiles Foundation provides comprehensive medical and dental care at no cost to children and other patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, and related maxillofacial conditions who might otherwise go untreated. These conditions can interfere with a child's ability to eat, speak, hear, and participate fully in school and community life. Treatment often requires specialized surgery as well as ongoing dental, orthodontic, hearing, speech, and nutritional care.
Thousand Smiles has identified the ongoing cost of surgical supplies as an important operational need. Based on the organization's review of its supply usage during the past 10 years, the average cost of surgical supplies is approximately $250 per patient. The exact supplies needed vary according to each child's condition and surgical plan.Many of the supplies also have expiration dates, making it more responsible and cost-effective for the organization to purchase supplies as specific patient and clinic needs are identified rather than maintaining excess inventory.
The full $2,500 project budget will be designated for surgical supplies. At an estimated cost of $250 per surgical patient, this grant is expected to provide the supplies needed for approximately 10 children. Thousand Smiles generally performs approximately eight to 10 surgeries during each clinic, so this grant has the potential to supply an entire clinic's surgical caseload.
The Rotary Club of Fallbrook has maintained a longstanding service relationship with Thousand Smiles. Club members have traveled to Mexico for many years to volunteer during clinic service days. While the medical professionals provide clinical care,Rotarians help welcome, entertain, reassure, and encourage children and their families as they wait for surgery and other treatment. This personal involvement helps create a more comforting environment for children who may be frightened or anxious about their procedures.
During the upcoming spring clinic, the Rotary Club of Fallbrook plans to expand its service participation by inviting members of the neighboring Rotary Club of Bonsall to join the volunteer team. This collaboration will introduce additional Rotarians to the Thousand Smiles mission, strengthen the partnership between the two clubs, and help build continued support for the organization's work.
The project combines direct financial support with hands-on Rotary service. Rotary funding will provide necessary medical supplies, while Rotarians will contribute their time and personal encouragement to the children and families receiving care.
| 
