Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.                                                                    Leo Buscaglia

Above, Deleena is missing her mom and snuggles with Lianna Hooper, just before her surgery for removing a fistula from her palate.

Afterwards, mom holds Deleena, waiting for her to wake after after surgery.  Mom is appreciative of the help her daughter received from this surgery.

Kartik is in the PACU awaiting surgical releases from burn injuries to his nose and ear.  New eyebrows will be sculpted from skin from his hair.  Kartik picked out this special car quilt, and is playing with a Captain America monster truck while he waits his turn.  A little reserved at first, he warmed up to us after a bit.  His contageous smile had been peeking out from under his quilt as he observed us.

This is Leela’s third year with Rotaplast.  She couldn’t smile before her first surgery.  She is a very strong young woman, and we’ll soon learn her story.

Sophie Saucedo (Patient Transporter) snuggles with a very concerned Bharti while he awaits his turn for surgery to release burn contractures at his his elbow and wrist.

After surgery, Bharti began to sob as he work up from anesthesia.  His mom climbed up into the bed and lifted him into her arms to comfort him.

Renee Paquier (PACU Assistant) distracts Pankuri while she waits  in the PACU for her turn for surgery.

Three generations of Varsha’s family are here at Nayati hospital where Varsha, the youngest of the three, is here for a burn contracture release.  The older women stay at her side and watch over her.

Members of our team have brought small gifts for the patients — toys, clothing, stuffed animals, happily received by all.

Here are some more of the little animals donated by Sacred Heart Elementary students in Saratoga, CA, each with handwritten well wishes from the donor.

Quilts made by volunteer groups and individuals organized through Rotary Clubs throughout the United States and Canada.  Terri Hodskins of Wells, Maine began the Wrap-A-Smile program sixteen years ago.  Each person having surgery with us receives a quilt.  With 12 missions a year and 60-150 patients cared for each trip, that is a lot of quilts!  The quilts are bright and cheerful, and keep the patient warm in the chilly operating rooms.  Each quilt comes with a label from the donor organization, many from Wrap-A-Smile.  Some have messages from their makers.

Small things can make a big difference in our patients’ time with us.