Celia and Ron Walker of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico initiated this program in 1976 when the baby of a friend was born with a cleft palate.  Their need to help led them to a surgeon in Guadalajara who provided his expertise.

 Soon there was another child in need.  Eventually, there were too many children to transport to Guadalajara.  Ron arranged for the surgeon to come to Puerto Vallarta.  He and other concerned members approached the IFC for sponsorship and funding.

Since 1987 the IFC has funded this worthwhile and rewarding program.  It remains committed to continuing this program in association with Dr. Ezequiel Fuentes and his surgical team from Guadalajara, for as long as the need exists.

 Over forty children annually benefit from reconstructive surgery, which is followed up by orthodontia and speech therapy.  In some cases the whole process takes up to fifteen years to complete.  Dr. Fuentes’s Teams of Surgeons, who volunteer their skills, and your donations, are instrumental in creating new faces for the children.

 The IFC covers all costs from beginning to end for both the Surgical Team and the families.  We genuinely appreciate the time, skill and generosity offered by Dr. Fuentes, the Surgical Team and the Regional Hospital without whom this much-needed program could not exist.

 It is estimated that the IFC spends over a quarter million pesos on this program annually.  Your generosity makes it possible for us to serve many disfigured children.  Even though some of the “before” pictures are startling, the “after” pictures are heartwarming.  Knowing that you have contributed to bettering the lives, both physically and emotionally, of the children involved, will surely make you proud.

 With your support this over twenty year old “Cleft Palate Program” will continue to provide services to the local population as long as the need exists.

 In 2008, the International Friendship Club, for the first time applied and received some funding from the Smile Train foundation to help us cover a portion of our expenses.