News

Jacksonville University Launches Operation Smile Chapter

Chapter hosts first annual luncheon to benefit Operation Smile International

Jacksonville, Fla. November 26, 2008 — Jacksonville University announces the launch of its Operation Smile Chapter, a student-run organization dedicated to help raise funds for Operation Smile International (OSI). The chapter held its first annual luncheon on November 21 in the Davis College of Business on campus and raised enough to cover a surgery for one child.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Jose Irazuzta, an OSI volunteer and pediatrician who spoke about one of his many week-long trips to India, where he sees 500 to 600 children and adults waiting to receive surgery.

"This is the biggest day of their lives," said Irazuzta. "We have people who travel long distances and sometimes sell everything they have to come and receive treatment. After the treatment, we give them a mirror and they can’t help but stare at themselves for a very long time. They are truly transformed."

Irazuzta explained that only about 120 people end up receiving a surgery. The rest are spoken to by a psychologist who comforts them and gives them hope that there will be more opportunities in the future.

JU’s chapter was initiated by Brian Hutira, a junior majoring in aviation management.

"Operation Smile is a wonderful cause," said Hutira. "I thought that if a chapter was started on campus, JU students could really make it successful. So far, we have received a lot of support and I look forward to the future."

For more information or to find out how you can donate, contact Hutira at bhutira@jacksonville.edu or call Jill Wagner Darkatsh at (904) 256-7434.

Throughout the world, Operation Smile volunteers repair childhood facial deformities, while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. For more information, visit www.operationsmile.org.

Dr. Jose Irazuzta talks to students about his trip to India as a OSI volunteer