Change a Life. It Will Change Yours.

These photos show you the beginning of Edwin's life-changing story. This Guatemalan toddler was born with a cleft palate. If left unfixed, it would mean poor nourishment, trouble with speech, and a myriad of other problems as he grew. In the United States, 1 in every 700 babies is born with a cleft lip or palate. Famous names like Joaquin Phoenix and Stacy Keach. The difference? US surgeons fix them within six months and before the deformities drastically affect their lives. In Guatemala and some other countries, babies live with major problems or are left to die.

Step in Smile Network International. This 15-year-old organization has helped thousands of kids in eleven countries on five continents. They became my number one cause in 2012 after executive director Maureen Cahill introduced me to founder Kim Valentini.

The story of Edwin and the other 39 tots who will receive life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries this week is partly my story. This is my first mission for Smile after six years of being their advocate by helping them raise money and featuring them on my show on WCCO Radio. Seeing the work of these volunteer surgeons and medical pros, plus the diligence and sensitivity of the multi-country Smile team, has been nothing short of perspective-blowing.

As you look at photos of Edwin before surgery, leaving the hospital, and then smiling at his temp housing during surgery week, know that you, too, have it in you to spread this kind of joy and purpose for our human condition. I hope you can go outside your comfort zone for Smile Network International or another great cause that can help other Edwins out there.

Roshini Rajkumar is an executive coach, radio host, crisis analyst, and keynote speaker. Sign up for valuable content from Roshini Performance Group and learn more about our services at OwnYourWow.com.

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