Operation Smile

“We take so many things for granted. Smiling is one of life's most precious gifts,” Lisa Lori says. “When you give a smile, you are giving happiness not just to the child but to their family, to their community and to everyone who loves them.”

She speaks from experience. Lori’s three sons – Zachary, Luke and Griffin – were born with a rare condition called facial paralysis. It prevented them from closing their mouths, hindering speech, swallowing, and eating. They also were unable to smile.

Now, 13 years and 8 surgeries later, all three boys have their smiles back. “I’m still thrilled every time I see any of my sons smile,” Lori says.

After the experience she went through with her children, Lori wanted to give back. She learned that many children who receive similar surgeries in the developing world are distraught, having never been to a hospital before. “In the Western world, children going into surgery can bring a stuffed animal or a blanket for comfort,” she says of starting Three Little Bears, named after her three boys, which provides teddy bears to patients before their procedure. “It really comforts the kids going into surgery and helps them remember the special day they received their smile.”

Lori has seen the comfort firsthand, having been on multiple missions with Operation Smile over the years with her children. “Meeting the families and experiencing the joy of life-changing surgery with them has been a blessing,” she says. On top of her work on the ground, Lori, owns the Perfect Provenance, which sells items from the Smile Collection to benefit Operation Smile.

Here, we talk to the mother and philanthropist about her experience.

What has it been like to have your sons involved with Operation Smile?
We have been involved with Operation Smile for more than 13 years now and it is like family to us. Having my sons tell their story, help fundraise, go on missions, and meet other children has helped them to understand that many people have challenges in life. They know that giving back is an important part of understanding our place in the world.  

What’s been most memorable about your work with Operation Smile so far?
Going on medical missions with my husband and my sons.  Meeting the families and experiencing the joy with them of life changing surgery has been a blessing.  

In a few words, how would you describe the power of a smile?
For my children, I was very focused on improving their eating and speech and didn't fully understand how much smiling would improve their lives. It’s the window to your personality and means so much in how we communicate with others.  It was a truly beautiful thing to witness my oldest son smile for the first time. I’m still thrilled every time I see any of my sons smile.