Entries by Leon Klempner

An Update on Dunia & Saline

Dunia is a true inspiration. After winning the New York State Wrestling Championship as an eighth grader in 2022, Dunia’s incredible journey continued as he recently placed 3rd in the tournament. He even was featured on ESPN. Dunia’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his determination to pursue his dreams are truly inspiring. We are […]

Volunteers Needed

Dear Smile Rescue Fund Friends and Family, Dunia (we had formerly been referring to him as Erick) arrived at JFK last week and has been settling in with his host family, the Creans, nicely. He’s an adorable little boy with a lot of spirit despite his circumstances and condition: he’s 8 years old, and weighs […]

Erick is arriving on November 21st

Dear Smile Rescue Fund Friends, We have great news: Erick will be arriving on November 21st to begin his treatment journey. A reminder that Erick (8 years old) was attacked by a chimpanzee in his home country, The Republic of the Congo. Though he (miraculously) survived, his face was left extremely disfigured. Read the entire story […]

News From Kenya

I just got an email update from Duncan.  He reports that Saline is doing well and will also be beginning her next school session this week.  It is with much pride that I can report that we now have nine (9) 5000 litre clean water collection tanks in place, 214 solar lamps and an active […]

Saline is Going Home….

It is with mixed emotions that I write this post. It has been one year since Saline stepped off the plane at JFK with a small bundle of her belongings in her hands and hope in her eyes. She had her face covered to avoid attracting attention as she held Duncan’s hand. That day she […]

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” –Nelson Mandela

For those of you who have followed the journey of Saline, you know that while she is here in America, receiving life changing surgeries, she has also sparked in everyone an urgency to bring Light, Educational Support, and Clean Water to her village. There has been great progress in all of these areas.   Today […]