Daytona Beach, FL – Operation Changing Lives is honored with the national distinction of being one of this year’s “The Passion Project” winners. The Passion Project was created by Allergan Aesthetics and Miami Cosmetic Surgery to celebrate those in the aesthetic field who have wide-ranging passions outside of their daily clinical practice, passions that make them better medical professionals. Only a few aesthetic providers are chosen each year, out of the hundreds of submissions.
Operation Changing Lives was founded in 2008 by Dr. Curtis Schalit, F.A.C.S., the area’s premier cosmetic surgeon, and Dr. John Akers, D.D.S., who is an integral member of Florida Oral & Facial Surgical Associates, the region’s top oral and facial surgical practice. Operation Changing Lives is a non-profit 501(C)(3) medical service organization with the primary purpose of performing life-altering maxillofacial surgeries on disadvantaged patients with severe facial deformities.
Through the foundation, both Dr. Schalit and Dr. Akers, along with staff members, volunteers, nurses, anesthesiologists and others, have taken numerous mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Haiti where they have performed cleft lip, cleft palate and tumor surgeries for young people who were without care.
Operation Changing Lives also helps those within the communities in Volusia and Flagler Counties through an annual toy drive, which serves more than 800 children with toys for Christmas; an annual golf tournament and annual 5K run/walk, which raise money for the foundation; and by performing tumor surgeries, reconstructive surgeries, and dental prosthesis for those in need.
“We have a passion for helping people live their lives with dignity, and Operation Changing Lives allows us to fulfill that passion,” said Dr. Schalit, F.A.C.S. “We are helping to make lives better, one face at a time, and hope to continue this labor of love for years to come.”
About Dr. Schalit:
Dr. Schalit is a well-known cosmetic surgeon, instructor and accomplished speaker. He is a F.A.C.S., a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Schalit is also the Chief Surgeon of the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery at Halifax Health Medical Center and AdventHealth Palm Coast. To learn more or to schedule a private consultation, visit drschalit.com or call 386-239-3603.
About Florida Oral & Facial Surgical Associates:
Florida Oral & Facial Surgical Associates – with locations in Daytona Beach, 549 Health Boulevard; New Smyrna Beach, 429 North Causeway; and Palm Coast, 21 Hospital Drive, Suite 180 – offers a full-scope of oral, maxillofacial and cosmetic facial surgery procedures. The surgical expertise and thorough understanding of both aesthetics and function uniquely qualify Florida Oral & Facial Surgical Associates’ doctors John Akers, D.D.S.; Curtis Schalit, F.A.C.S.; Roger Thayer, D.M.D., M.A., F.A.C.S.; and Bradley Pinker, D.D.S., M.D. to diagnose, treat and manage the conditions, defects, injuries, and aesthetic aspects of the jaw, nose, orbits, skull and face. Oral and maxillofacial procedures include reconstructive facial surgery, bone grafting, diagnosing and treating facial pain and injuries, head and neck cancer and facial cosmetic surgery. To schedule a consultation, call 386-200-5386 or visit floridaoralfacial.com.
About Operation Changing Lives:
Operation Changing Lives is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) medical service organization dedicated to changing lives one face at a time. Founded in 2008 by Doctors John Akers, D.D.S. and Curtis Schalit, F.A.C.S., its primary purpose is to perform life-altering maxillofacial surgeries on disadvantaged patients with severe facial deformities, both in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit operationchanginglives.com.
Media Release: Amanda Smith, Benedict Advertising
