SMILE AGAIN FOUNDATION

The tragedy of permanent facial disfigurement in Pakistan from acid thrown at victims needs no elaboration. Sadly little exists for treatment and restitution of facial features by surgery.

Seeking the support of APPNA , "Smile Again Foundation" sought to raise funds during 2006 Annual Summer Meeting of APPNA in Chicago, IL.

APPNA responding to the need collected $ 9,000.00

"Since the Foundation's inception a team of Italian doctors visits Pakistan four times a year, performing at least 12 surgeries on burns survivors. This team is helped by the Civil Military Hospital (CMH), the Shalimar Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, the National Defence Hospital and the Fatima Memorial Trust Hospital, five of Lahore's leading hospitals.

After visiting the Smile Again Family Health Hospital and Vocational Training Centre in Wah Cantt, in early January 2007, an Italian delegation consisting of Clarice Felli and other well-reputed plastic surgeons suggested a proposal to invite eight burns survivors to Italy annually to attend vocational training programmes for three months.

Realising the dearth of medical care available to burns victims in Pakistan, a team of French surgeons, similar to the Italians, has pledged to treat more patients by increasing its number of annual visits, hence coming to Pakistan every three months. "Next time the French team will bring a physiotherapist to train local doctors and nurses on how to give therapy to burnt women. A proposal is also underway to set up a separate operation theatre with eight to 10 beds at a local hospital in Islamabad," says Misbah.

Recognizing Masarrat Misbah's efforts in physical and psychological reconstruction of female victims, an Italian NGO, 'International Manifestation on Women's Day' awarded her with the meritorious 'Una Donna Fuorri Dal Coro (A woman who is superior amongst others for her excellent deeds and good work) in Genoa, Italy. She is the first woman in Pakistan to receive one of Italy's prestigious awards."(Global Sisterhood Network)

www.depilexsmileagain.com

Ms. Masarrat Misbah at the APPNA 2006 summer meeting Chicago IL where Depilex smile again foundation had a booth