Meet Dr. Sunil Richardson, a surgeon, a numismatist and a family
man. He was profiled in The Numismatist for the July 2012 issue
(find it on page 107). You may also recognize his name as one of
the Collector Exhibits winners from the Denver National Money Show
last year - he took second place in the best-of-show category.
Richardson also works with Smile Train, USA, a charity that helps children
born with a congenital deformity known as a cleft palate. Here's a
look at one of the children that Smile Train USA has helped with
corrective surgery.
According to the Smile Train, USA website, cleft palates are a
major issue for children in developing countries. A cleft palate
effects a child's ability to eat properly and speak well. Further,
children with cleft palates face a tough road socially - in many
cases, they can be barred from attending school or holding a
job.
Richardson started working with Smile Train back in 2004. The
simple surgery, which has been around for decades, doesn't cost
much by U.S. standards, so charitable donations can go a long
way.
Each year at Christmas, the ANA staff comes together
to make a charitable donation in the spirit of the holiday. After
hearing about Richardson's work, the staff donated the $250 needed
to sponsor the surgery for one child. Richardson himself performed
the surgery.
"My medical practice has two sides - one for
profit, the other for charity. My wife, Shweta, and I run
Richardsons Dental and Craniofacial Hospital and treat the
whole gamut of facial and dental problems," Richardson
told The Numismatist in the July 2012 profile.
"As only about 20 to 30 percent of the population can pay
for such selective and elective cosmetic surgeries, many
patients cannot benefit from my services. That is why I
approached Smile Train, USA, to help me help people,
particularly children, who require cleft lip and palate
repair. Since my association with the international nonprofit
in late 2004, I have completed around 5,000
surgeries, all totally free for needy patients."
If you'd like to help a child with a cleft palate,
you can do so by making a donation to Smile Train, USA.
