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Interface Kids

Together,
We Can Change Lives

Providing reconstructive surgeries that restore confidence and futures.
Interface Kids

Bringing Hope,
One Surgery at a Time

Support our mission to provide essential care to children.
Interface Kids

Changing Futures with
Compassionate Care

Help us give every child the chance to smile confidently.

Our Story

Transforming lives with free reconstructive surgeries

The Interface Kids mission began over 50 years ago in 1976, founded by Dr. Jack Fisher at the University of California, San Diego. Originally part of a residency program, Interface Kids has grown into a volunteer-based organization offering free reconstructive surgeries to underserved children. With clinics in Mexicali and La Piedad, we’ve performed over 4,500 surgeries, including cleft lip and palate repair, hand and ear deformity correction, burn reconstruction, and more.
4,500+
Surgeries Performed
50+
Years of Service
250+
Volunteers Involved
Interface Kids
Dr. Benjamin Illum

Interface website memorial tribute for Ben Illum MD

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our cherished friend and esteemed colleague, Dr Ben Illum MD, who tragically passed away this past weekend (January 2025).

Our hearts go out to his family, colleagues and the many, many people lucky enough to be called “friend” by Ben.

Changing Lives, One Surgery at a Time

Join us in providing life-changing reconstructive surgeries to children in need.
Interface Kids

What We Do

We currently travel to Mexicali twice a year. The number of major operations performed ranges from 50 to 75 per trip. Our primary focus is cleft lip and palate repair, but we also perform correction of hand and ear deformities, burn reconstruction, and other congenital and acquired deformities.

In each of our locations where we work, we are sponsored by the Secretary of Health for that state and work with the local plastic surgeons or pediatric surgeons. Our team members vary each trip, as we have a devoted talent bank of over 250 volunteers who travel with us at various times.

Interface Kids

Procedures Offered

Our primary focus is cleft lip and palate repair, but we also correct other congenital and acquired deformities, such as:
  • Hand and ear deformities
  • Burn reconstructions
  • Facial and craniofacial deformities
Each mission provides free surgeries to children in need. We typically perform between 50-75 major operations during each mission.

Our Mission

Interface Kids is dedicated to transforming the lives of children in Mexico by providing free, life-changing reconstructive surgeries. Our all-volunteer team of medical professionals has one goal: to ensure that no child is left without the care they deserve.

Health Care

Interface Kids

Educational Exchange

Interface Kids

People-to-People

Help Us Grow

InterFACE is a non-profit 501-c-3 organization and your donations help us provide life-changing operations for children in need.