InterFACE Mexicali Medical Mission: October 23-25, 2025

By Shaili Patel, (High School Junior with extensive Interface volunteer hours (2023,2024,2025,2026).

In a small hospital in Mexicali, a hopeful, yet nervous tension filled the room as we were asking questions to the mother of two-year-old Angle, Itzel. Itzel held her baby in her arms reassuringly as her face reflected uncertainty and anticipation. Itzel and her baby angel traveled to the InterFace Kids hospital after hearing about the nonprofit organization through her uncle, who recounted his knowledge of the volunteer group who provides free reconstructive surgeries for children born with conditions like cleft lips, cleft palates, and syndactyly.

For Itzel this was more than a surgery, but an opportunity for her son’s life to change. Itzel recounts Angle’s struggle since birth. Due to his cleft palate, eating was extremely difficult; food went down the wrong way, and it would get trapped, leading him to getting sick frequently. “I want him to be able to eat better, because cannot eat and gets sick often,” our translator says as Itzel reflects on the struggles of her and her baby. Though she was nervous, she knew this surgery could help change her son’s future.

Twice a year, a group of volunteer doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists band together to create the nonprofit organization InterFace Kids, they travel to Mexicali and provide free surgeries for people who otherwise might never have access to this type of healthcare. Many travel hours, and even days to see these providers. The mission of InterFace Kids is to restore function, opportunity, and improve the lives of many – one person at a time.

For many families, like Angel’s, the mission of InterFace is spread through others who have experienced the life-changing healthcare that this group provides. Angel’s cleft palate surgery went as planned, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. However, moments later, in recovery, Angel began to struggle to breathe. His small chest was heaving, trying to take in air, with no luck, and he quickly began to turn blue. A terrifying, and unexpected occurrence was met without hesitation, the anesthesiologists sprang into action. Assessing his airway, and breathing, the team worked seamlessly in a symphony of skill and communication to stabilize him, and realize the problem – his uvula was swollen post-surgery and his enlarged tonsils were blocking his airway.

They brought him back to the operating room, and inserted nasal trumpets to help him breathe, they ensured he was safe, and not wanting to take unnecessary risks, they knew Angel needed additional monitoring. Even in the midst of uncertainty, the team’s focus never wavered. They called an ambulance, but instead of waiting passively, they began to gather every piece of equipment they found necessary – unsure of what resources the ambulance would have, and wanting to ensure the safety of their patient. In addition, one of the anesthesia providers rode with Angel and his mother in the ambulance to the hospital, ensuring his safety the entire way.

Throughout the duration of the mission, various team members, even those not directly involved in his surgery continued to check on him and his family. They truly demonstrated the heart and humanity that defines InterFace Kids. I, as well as many others witnessed, and continue to witness the level of dedication and care these providers put into their mission.

In a matter of minutes, a group of volunteer doctors and nurses, some of which had only met the day before, came together with extraordinary focus and compassion. Their quick thinking saved Angel’s life, but their empathy is what left the deepest mark. InterFace Kids is more than a medical mission; it is a family of professionals who give their time, skill, and heart to people who need it the most.

Hearing of the stable condition, and safety of Angel after his ordeal, I was struck by the quiet heroism in the hospital. InterFace Kids remind us of what happens when compassion meets action, and what happens when teams go above and beyond.

They, mere strangers to the patients, positively change the lives of many, through their kindness, skill, and trust.