ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Help Us Give Smiles
In 2003, Rochester based Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Vito C. Quatela founded the HUGS Foundation with a simple goal in mind. He wanted to change the lives of children using a team of skilled surgeons to correct congenital facial deformities. The HUGS Foundation supports yearly medical trips to correct facial deformities for children deprived of a healthy and joyful life due to their congenital deformity and lack of medical care. Were it not for the gift of surgery, these children are rejected by their peers, community, and sometimes even their own family. The surgery not only enables one to have an enhancement in their appearance and function, but now they are afforded opportunities they would not have otherwise, such as assimilation into a family, a chance for a better education, and a hope for a new life.
Over the past twenty-two years, teams of world class doctors, nurses and volunteers from across the United States have dedicated their time, knowledge and passion to help Dr. Quatela change children’s lives.
These missions are performed in underdeveloped countries including, Vietnam, Guatemala, Ecuador and Peru. Since inception in 2003, our medical mission teams have gone on 51 mission trips and have performed over 2600 free surgical procedures. The volunteers dedicate their time, knowledge and passion to help change children’s lives. Many of these children are literally salvaged from dumpsters, and we as a team, are fortunate to see the direct impact it makes on their lives.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver free, life-changing surgery to children and adolescents challenged by cleft lip and palate, microtia and other facial deformities.
HUGS helps children that are currently living with the stigma and shame of a facial deformity develop into confident, secure and responsible individuals.
