The Hirsche Smiles Foundation was started in 1990 by Blayne L. Hirsche, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Michael Chandler, anesthesiologist, both affiliated with Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Provo, UT. Since that time, the program has expanded to include many additional volunteers who have provided surgical and dental care to hundreds of children in Guatemala and Mexico.
In the fall of 2002, Dr. Hirsche and his wife, Sandy, were killed in a plane crash as they returned from St. George, Utah where a Guatemalan patient was visiting after having surgery. The Guatemalans had chosen to return to Provo by car or they would have been killed as well.
The family and foundation volunteers decided to keep the foundation alive to carry on the vision and work started by the Hirsche's and Dr. Chandler. Volunteer surgeons have joined the group. Very successful trips so far have proven the work of the foundation can successfully continue as the Hirsche's wished.
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