Destination: Hope

destination: hope was founded on the principle that no child should have to suffer the weight of being born with a facial deformity. The main goal of the organization is to repair cleft lip and palate, burns, and other devastating deformities for children in developing countries around the world. In 2008, Dr. Mosser founded destination: hope, which is not-for-profit and based out of San Francisco. For the last few years, Dr. Mosser and his volunteer surgical team have traveled to Ecuador and the Philippines to treat children who experience incapacitating deformities, in order to give them the chance to be thriving members of their communities and lead full lives.

The creation of destination: hope

After being a part of several medical missions to developing countries around the world, Dr. Mosser saw first-hand the life changing effects that surgery had on those who had previously been crippled by a simple birth defect such as cleft lip and palate. Dr. Mosser’s passion for aiding children is what destination: hope is founded on, and his goal to change the lives and opportunities of these children is what drives destination: hope to all corners of the earth.

Mission and Organization information

Dr. Mosser founded the non-profit organization destination: hope in 2008. The main mission of the organization is to repair facial birth defects in whichever country there is a need. Missions occur 1-2 times per year, and between 20-60 patients are treated during each trip. Dr. Mosser is accompanied by a team of one to two plastic surgeons, two operating room nurses, two recovery room nurses and an anesthesiologist to ensure the highest level of safety and care for destination: hope patients.

What Surgery Can Do:

For many children in developing countries, being born with a facial deformity such as cleft lip and palate is seen as a curse by their parents and their communities. Children with untreated facial deformities live a life of scorn and solitude, and parents are usually unable to afford a surgery to change the quality of life for their child. Often these children are hidden away in their homes; not allowed to go to school, have friends, or able to contribute to the community in which they live.

destination: hope works tirelessly to change the reality of life for children with cleft lip and palate, burns, or other deformities. With a simple surgery usually lasting less than an hour, these children’s lives can be changed forever. The reconstructive surgeries Dr. Mosser and his team perform allow for children to lead full and prosperous lives free of stigma and shame.

If you are interested in donating or learning more about destination: hope, click here.