History

In 1998, a group of caring individuals with diverse backgrounds, had a vision inspired by a nine year old girl who was born with severe malignant melanoma of the left eye.

Vanisha Dayal, from Abbotsford, BC, Canada had gone through a major prolonged surgical procedure to remove the tumor when only three months old.

Operation Smile Because We Care Foundation was established in 2000 with the support from other organizations, to raise funds, and make this surgery a reality.

In 2010, the Foundation was re launched as "The Vanisha Foundation" in honor of Vanisha Dayal, the first child we supported.

Eligibility

Any child residing in British Columbia, Canada is eligible to receive benefits from the Foundation. For the purposes of this Foundation, a child is defined as an individual 17 years or age or younger.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Each candidate must submit a written request containing their detailed medical history as well as a letter from their family physician. The Advisory Committee, consisting of medical advisors to the Foundation, will independently review the request and provide a report to the Board of Directors.

The final decision will be made by the Board of Directors of the Foundation. Once the decision is made by the Board, the decision will be final and not subject to appeal.

Testimonials

The Vanisha Foundation, formally Operation Smile Because We Care Foundation has always been very close to my heart. For me they made the impossible possible.

Wonderful caring individuals learnt of my medical need of reconstructive surgery due to my cancer. This treatment and Surgery was only available in USA at that time. It was a triumph time for me and my family to financially meet the cost $100,000 plus for surgery in USA. Word of mouth few individuals became a group of individuals who made it their mission to raise funds to ensure I receive the surgery needed in order for me to have a normal life. They raised funds by having Golf Tournaments, Dinner Dance, Silent Auction, Hot Dog Sale, Pub Night, and more. They succeeded in their plight, and made the impossible surgery possible.

Vanisha Foundation has made a huge difference in my life, and I am pleased to see that my success has given them the strength to move forward and help other children that are in need of medical treatment where funding is not available. I am so proud of the Foundation, and know nothing is impossible for Vanisha Foundation, especially when it is a child in need...

Thank you!

Vanisha Dayal
Honourary Member - The Vanisha Foundation

The Vanisha Foundation has helped our family so much. Their support and funding has given us a new lease on life. Being able to have respite when needed is vital to a Special Needs family. Our son Stefan has severe Cerebral Palsy, is deaf and G/J tube fed. We are eternally grateful to them. Such a wonderful Foundation! A God send to us.

Thank you!

Erin and Holger Grupp Stefans' parents

The support that The Vanisha Foundation (formerly - Operation Smile Because We Care Foundation) provides for the Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Program at B.C.'s Children's Hospital is greatly appreciated. This support allows our program to "make things just a little bit better" for children born with craniofacial condition through the purchase of new equipment, educational materials, or supporting dental care for families who cannot afford it. Your support makes a difference for the kids!

Thank you!

Lorine Scott, RN BScN
From the Cleft Palate Craniofacial Program at BC Children's Hospital.