03/13/2026
Some work changes lives far beyond our clinic walls.
In February, the FINN Foundation returned to Guatemala for our 11th surgical mission, continuing more than a decade of caring for children with cleft lip, cleft palate, and microtia.
Our team operated at the Moore Pediatric Surgery Center in Guatemala City, a facility built by the Shalom Foundation that provides life-changing care for children and families. Through this partnership, patients receive not only surgery, but comprehensive medical evaluations, nutritional support, and long-term follow-up from the Moore Center’s local medical team.
This year, 17 volunteers dedicated their time and expertise to the mission — including 8 surgeons, 4 CRNAs, and 5 clinical staff members. Physicians joined us from North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Iowa, many returning year after year to continue serving these families.
During the week we:
• Screened 85 patients
• Performed 34 surgeries
Behind every number is a child gaining confidence, improved health, and new opportunities for the future.
None of this work would be possible without the generosity of our supporters.
We’re also excited to share that 2026 will bring even greater impact. In November, the FINN Foundation will return to Guatemala for a second surgical mission, partnering again with the Moore Center and the Shams Foundation, founded by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Ortiz. Dr. Ortiz first joined our mission as a surgical fellow and was so inspired by the experience that she later launched her own nonprofit.
Together, these partnerships continue to expand access to care for children who need it most.
Because every child deserves the chance to smile, speak, and thrive.
📍 Finn Plastic Surgery | Chapel Hill, NC
📞 (984) 215-7368
🌐 www.finnface.com
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