Ivana was Dr. Sampson’s third patient of the day. She received a bone graft to support her developing jaw, followed by an intermediate rhinoplasty from Dr. Scott to straighten her nose and provide structure until her cleft rhinoplasty can be performed.
Children with cleft conditions often require multiple surgeries as their faces and jaws grow, making access to ongoing care essential. Together with our partners, CSI is proud to provide this comprehensive care in Mexico — care that meets or exceeds U.S. standards — giving children like Ivana the healthy, confident futures they deserve. ✨
Transformation is happening in Hermosillo! Twenty children, ranging in age from 4 months to 13 years, are receiving life-changing surgery at no cost to their families today.
Among them is 1-year-old Jesús (pictured in the first two photos). Eight years ago, our team repaired his brother’s cleft lip. Today, Dr. Brianne Roby is operating on Jesús, who was born with a cleft lip and palate — a powerful testament to the trust we've built and our commitment to these families.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, our partners, and the generosity of supporters who believe every child deserves the chance to thrive. 💙
Today was a life-changing day for Erika — a woman we met last year when she brought her daughter for surgery. During that trip, we learned that, like her daughter, Erika was also born with a cleft palate. However, the repair she received as a child didn’t heal properly, leaving her with a large opening (fistula) between her mouth and nose, making eating and speaking extremely difficult.
For years, she was told by doctors that nothing could be done because the fistula was so large. CSI and our partners at St. Andrew's Children's Clinic , Hospital CIMA Hermosillo, and Voluntariado CIMA did not accept that — over the past year, the team has worked tirelessly to turn decades of “no” for Erika into a life-changing “yes.”
Today, Dr. Michael Fritz — one of the world’s leading experts in complex reconstructive surgery — successfully performed a procedure called a “free flap,” using healthy tissue from another part of Erika’s body to finally close the opening. This delicate surgery will allow Erika to eat, drink, and speak more easily, transforming her daily life.
And there’s something even more special: Erika’s daughter, Danixza, is also having surgery with CSI this week, marking the completion of her own cleft journey as well.
Wheels up! ✈️ The last group of amazing CSI volunteers are en route to Hermosillo.
They'll meet up with the rest of the team at the hospital later today to finalize patient screening and set-up. Tomorrow, life-changing surgeries begin for dozens of children!
You can change lives through two important fundraisers that are now open— purchasing holiday greens and premium chocolates that directly support CSI’s mission to provide life-changing pediatric surgical care and medical education in communities facing critical healthcare shortages.
🎄 Holiday Greens through Gertens (Twin Cities only): Order by October 30 at www.gertensfundraising.com (Store ID: 878) and pick up at our Holiday Open House on December 2, 3–6 p.m. (alternate arrangements available).
🍫 See’s Candies Fundraiser (Nationwide): Who doesn't love chocolate? Send sweet treats anywhere in the U.S. Orders can begin shipping November 15 and the storefront remains open through December 5. Go to bit.ly/CSISweetShop2025
Help us maximize impact by sharing these opportunities with your family, friends, and colleagues!
✨ Today is the day and we can't wait to see you there!
Dine in or take out at Bole Ethiopian Cuisine in St. Paul from 5 - 9 p.m., and a generous portion of your purchase will help fund life-changing surgeries for children worldwide. **You must mention CSI to your server for your meal to count.**
Can't attend? Purchase an e-gift card anytime today at boleethiopiancuisine.com and enter “CSI” in the message field to have your purchase count. Gift cards make a great gift for the upcoming holidays!
Ivana was Dr. Sampson’s third patient of the day. She received a bone graft to support her developing jaw, followed by an intermediate rhinoplasty from Dr. Scott to straighten her nose and provide structure until her cleft rhinoplasty can be performed.
Children with cleft conditions often require multiple surgeries as their faces and jaws grow, making access to ongoing care essential. Together with our partners, CSI is proud to provide this comprehensive care in Mexico — care that meets or exceeds U.S. standards — giving children like Ivana the healthy, confident futures they deserve. ✨
St. Andrew's Children's Clinic Hospital CIMA Hermosillo Voluntariado CIMA
#cleftstrong #hermosillo #changinglives #pediatricsurgery #globalhealth ... See MoreSee Less
From early morning rounds to the final surgery of the day, the team was in constant motion, making life-changing care possible today.
Working with our partners St. Andrew's Children's Clinic, Hospital CIMA Hermosillo, and Voluntariado CIMA, CSI volunteers completed another twenty surgeries.
Some of yesterday’s patients are already being discharged, marking the start of new beginnings for these young heroes.
📸 Swipe to see the incredible before & afters!
#cleftstrong #pediatricsurgery #globalhealth #nonprofit #hermosillosonoramexico ... See MoreSee Less
Transformation is happening in Hermosillo! Twenty children, ranging in age from 4 months to 13 years, are receiving life-changing surgery at no cost to their families today.
Among them is 1-year-old Jesús (pictured in the first two photos). Eight years ago, our team repaired his brother’s cleft lip. Today, Dr. Brianne Roby is operating on Jesús, who was born with a cleft lip and palate — a powerful testament to the trust we've built and our commitment to these families.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, our partners, and the generosity of supporters who believe every child deserves the chance to thrive. 💙
#ChangingLives #GlobalHealth #cleftstrong #pediatricsurgery ... See MoreSee Less
Today was a life-changing day for Erika — a woman we met last year when she brought her daughter for surgery. During that trip, we learned that, like her daughter, Erika was also born with a cleft palate. However, the repair she received as a child didn’t heal properly, leaving her with a large opening (fistula) between her mouth and nose, making eating and speaking extremely difficult.
For years, she was told by doctors that nothing could be done because the fistula was so large. CSI and our partners at St. Andrew's Children's Clinic , Hospital CIMA Hermosillo, and Voluntariado CIMA did not accept that — over the past year, the team has worked tirelessly to turn decades of “no” for Erika into a life-changing “yes.”
Today, Dr. Michael Fritz — one of the world’s leading experts in complex reconstructive surgery — successfully performed a procedure called a “free flap,” using healthy tissue from another part of Erika’s body to finally close the opening. This delicate surgery will allow Erika to eat, drink, and speak more easily, transforming her daily life.
And there’s something even more special: Erika’s daughter, Danixza, is also having surgery with CSI this week, marking the completion of her own cleft journey as well.
Two generations, both moving forward — together.
Great work, team!
#pediatricsurgery #cleftstrong #globalhealth #Mexico ... See MoreSee Less
Wheels up! ✈️ The last group of amazing CSI volunteers are en route to Hermosillo.
They'll meet up with the rest of the team at the hospital later today to finalize patient screening and set-up. Tomorrow, life-changing surgeries begin for dozens of children!
#changinglives #HermosilloMexico #pediatricsurgery #cleftstrong ... See MoreSee Less
Here's to every child thriving, not just surviving. On World Smile Day and every day, let's work together to give every child reasons to smile. 🌍
#WorldSmileDay #globalhealth #pediatricsurgery #nonprofit ... See MoreSee Less
You can change lives through two important fundraisers that are now open— purchasing holiday greens and premium chocolates that directly support CSI’s mission to provide life-changing pediatric surgical care and medical education in communities facing critical healthcare shortages.
🎄 Holiday Greens through Gertens (Twin Cities only): Order by October 30 at www.gertensfundraising.com (Store ID: 878) and pick up at our Holiday Open House on December 2, 3–6 p.m. (alternate arrangements available).
🍫 See’s Candies Fundraiser (Nationwide): Who doesn't love chocolate? Send sweet treats anywhere in the U.S. Orders can begin shipping November 15 and the storefront remains open through December 5. Go to bit.ly/CSISweetShop2025
Help us maximize impact by sharing these opportunities with your family, friends, and colleagues!
#fundraiser #globalhealth #pediatricsurgery #twincities #seescandies ... See MoreSee Less
✈️ Off they go! Some of our Mexico team members are en route to Hermosillo today.
They’re traveling a day early to perform a special, complex procedure tomorrow — stay tuned for this patient's story!
#changinglives #nonprofit #pediatricsurgery #globalhealth #hermosillosonoramexico ... See MoreSee Less
✨ Today is the day and we can't wait to see you there!
Dine in or take out at Bole Ethiopian Cuisine in St. Paul from 5 - 9 p.m., and a generous portion of your purchase will help fund life-changing surgeries for children worldwide. **You must mention CSI to your server for your meal to count.**
Can't attend? Purchase an e-gift card anytime today at boleethiopiancuisine.com and enter “CSI” in the message field to have your purchase count.
Gift cards make a great gift for the upcoming holidays!
#Twincitiesfoodie #stpaulmn #dineout #pediatricsurgery ... See MoreSee Less