Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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| Elizabeth Swicegood holds a child after surgery while volunteering for Operation Smile in Paraguay. |
Operation Smile was founded in 1982 by Dr. William Magee Jr. and his wife, Kathleen, to repair children's cleft lips and palates in underdeveloped countries.
Kyle says he was introduced to the organization through his involvement with the Rotary Club of Mocksville.
During the Swicegood's 14 days in Paraguay they served as photo technicians. "That allowed us to get an up close and personal view of the kids," Kyle said. "We're not medical, we're real estate, but when you've never been up close and personal with some of the children that have these deformities, it's shocking. We would take pictures from the side and front of children and that would go into their medical file."
During that mission the Swicegoods saw many indigent people bring their children. "They don't have the means that we have as Americans," Kyle says.
They also saw the happy faces following the surgeries. "Without a doubt one of the most rewarding things I've ever done is to hand a parent back their child that has just gone through this surgery," Kyle says. "That child now has hope for a better life with the opportunities that all children should have."
Operation Smile consists of doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and photo technicians that work many 14 hour days for free.
The missions are all funded by donations.
Earlier this year Kyle accepted a position on NC Board of Directors for Operation Smile. "Our job is to bring awareness to our surrounding commuities about Operation Smile, the missions that go on, and to try and raise money to fund them."
Kyle recently had a visit from Davie resident Clyde Hendricks after giving a presentation on Operation Smile to the Lion's Club in Mocksville. Clyde later told Kyle he couldn't get the children off his mind wanted to help. Hendricks later delivered a check. "That just made me feel like there's other people that would be inspired by what he did," Kyle said.
Kyle also spoke to Center United Methodist Church Ladies, South Davie Beta Club, and Davie High School. All local groups that also helped raise money for Operation Smile.
"The thought just occurred to me that Davie County is a wonderful place. I've lived here for 40 years and I know the people well. This is a great opportunity for Davie County to reach beyond the borders ... subscribe to the Davie County Enterprise Record, P.O. Box 99, Mocksville, N.C. 27028.