SMILE PINKI: Academy Award Winning Documentary Trailer

I contribute regularly to Smile Train, and recently they sent me the full video on DVD.

You don't even have to donate 250 $. Smile train takes takes even 10 bucks.

No, it's not. Don't get me wrong I think it's sad, too. But you can't compare this with our society. When children look different they live like in exil because they won't get accepted. I heard from one child that lived in a house away from the family because they couldn't have her in the village. So it was really better for this child to get the surgery.

You're quite right, but putting aside the medical issues of cleft lip/palette, the social and emotional wellbeing of a child is equally as important. Attitudes are changing, but it won't magically happen and should these children suffer in the meantime? Smile Train does great work.

why does India haf the highest rate of people with clefts?

A cleft is a birth defect and often the #1 birth defect in most developing countries - nutrition is one of the leading factors and lack of folic acid. Babies are born with clefts everywhere in the world including the U.S. But you seldom see clefts in the U.S. and Europe because they are repaired automatically soon after birth. Clefts are usually NOT repaired in developing countries because most of the families are too poor to afford surgery and the government will not provide free surgery.

I donated to The Smile Train about 6 months ago, and last month i received my photo of the child whose surgery i dontated to...it is one of the most fufilling charities i have donated to, i suggest that anyone and everyone do this, $250 is not much, i am considered "low income" in the U.S, and i did it! Just save up if you have to. Recite this quote daily, "Be the change you want to see"...love to you all.
Heather

Dear Patates08,
I hope you understand that having a cleft like many of the children you saw in this movie, is not 'healthy' in many ways. Not being able to chew your food properly for instance is causing medical problems. When not treated, those children unfortunately will not reach the 'average age' for adults. As far as I see it, it's not cosmetic surgery at all. Throw in education for all and maybe one of those kids will contribute his/her life to help others as well!

Right now the whole documentary can be found on HBO on Demand. After the summer we will be able to distribute it.

Thanks The Smile Train. I clicked to see the schedule on HBO, but couldn't find one. I think I'm going to miss the shows, so I'm glad to hear you are going to distribute it.