TESS Unlimited

Casa
Guatemala
Antigua
TESS Unlimited

A non-profit organization established in 2008, dedicated to providing Comprehensive Cleft Care for children born with a cleft lip and/or palate in Guatemala.

The Gift of Smile Project

Since 2008, we have helped over 4000 children in Guatemala born with a cleft lip and/or palate, which are openings in the lip and roof of the mouth, by financing their needed surgeries and pre- and post op care. The life of a child with a lip deformity is extremely difficult as it is prone to illness because their respiratory system is exposed. Most babies we find are e

xtremely malnourished since breastfeeding is challenging due to the deformity. Poverty also leads to less milk production for the mothers, and buying milk powder is too expensive. A child with a visible deformity will most likely not go to school because the families are ashamed for their child to be seen. Tess Unlimited searches children and adults with lip deformities in Guatemala. Before surgery is considered, the baby needs to have the correct weight and strong health level. To accomplish this, the child will follow our Milk Project in which we provide milk, special feeding bottles and medicines to the families in order to prepare it for surgery. When the baby is malnourished, the child goes directly to the hospital through our Hospital Project in which we finance their needed care. After the first surgery of closing the lip, one year needs to be considered before the second surgery of closing the palate takes place. Following the surgeries, after-care is needed consisting of speech therapy, dental care, psychological care and check-ups. All the steps taken in the child’s journey are supported and financed by us. With our help the child will be more likely to get an education, a more healthy life and at the end of their journey, a beautiful smile on their face! For more information about our projects, please visit www.tessunlimited.com

21/05/2026

These beautiful twin girls were born last year at 34 weeks, both with a unilateral cleft lip. One sister was born with an incomplete cleft lip, while the other had a complete cleft lip. ❤️

For many months they were part of our milk program so they could gain enough weight and strength for surgery. Last month we had both girls scheduled, but sadly they got sick. And as many parents of twins know… when one gets sick, the other usually follows too.

But this week they finally arrived healthy, happy, and ready!

Our surgeon E. Weston Santee MD, DDS performed both surgeries on the same day. First Dulce, and afterwards Nathalie. What a special day for these little girls and their family. ✨

They will continue in our milk program, and we will keep following them closely for their future care and surgeries.

We are so proud of these strong little fighters. 💕

19/05/2026

This week is Cleft Awareness Week! ❤️

This annual campaign brings the global cleft community together to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and share stories.

At Tess Unlimited, we work 365 days a year with children and families affected by clefts, and today we are proud to have more than 5,000 cleft families as part of the Tess Unlimited family.

Children born with a cleft face many challenges, and life is not always easy, especially in Guatemala. That is why we do everything possible to provide the best all-round care we can.

One of the biggest examples of strength and transformation within our organization is our dear Lidia. She was born with a cleft 30 years ago in Guatemala. Unfortunately, she did not receive the best care growing up and faced many challenges throughout her life.

We met Lidia 15 years ago as a patient, and a few years later she started working with us. Back then, she was a shy young woman who lacked confidence. Today, 15 years later, she has completely transformed herself into a strong, powerful, kind, and confident person.

Very soon we will share a short documentary about this amazing woman. But as many of you know, two weeks ago we organized a professional photoshoot and invited several of our patients to model for our campaign. Of course, Lidia had to be one of them. ❤️

And wow… just look at her.

She is not only gorgeous on the outside, but also an incredible person on the inside who cares deeply for everyone around her, including all of our cleft patients.

You can become whatever you want in life, and Lidia is living proof of that.

17/05/2026

Cristian really said, “You thought this surgery was going too smoothly? Hold my thermometer.” 😂🌡️

This little drama king decided to spike a fever DURING surgery just to keep everyone on their toes. But thanks to our incredible team, he got some extra recovery cuddles, started drinking like an absolute champion, his fever dropped, and now he’s back to being healthy, happy, and ridiculously handsome.

And honestly… those juicy lips deserve their own fan club 💋😍

17/05/2026

Cristian! ❤️

The first time we scheduled him, he got sick just before traveling to Antigua.
The second time, he was already at the hospital and decided to get sick again.
The third time, he made the trip to Antigua… and somehow got sick AGAIN. 😅

But one thing about us: we never, ever give up on our babies.

And TODAY is finally Cristian’s day! 🎉
He is here, healthy, happy, and SO ready for surgery.

After all the setbacks, all the rescheduling, and all the worrying, we could not be happier for this sweet boy. Please send Cristian all the love and good wishes today. We’re all cheering him on! 💙

17/05/2026

“Today we triaged 35 kiddos for this coming surgical week. The cuteness level in this place is completely out of control.” Surgeries start tomorrow 💙💖

14/05/2026

Our speech program is absolutely ROCKING it! 🎉

Right now, we have 529 active children receiving speech therapy… FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE children! ❤️

And this number will continue to grow, because we still have many children scheduled this year for cleft palate and VPI surgeries who will enter the program after surgery.

Our amazing team of 11 — almost 12! — speech therapists works every single week to help and support all of these children. Their dedication is truly incredible.

Two weeks ago, our mentor speech therapist Shelly visited Guatemala and worked together with our local speech therapists to evaluate patients. Some children graduated from the program because their speech is now perfect, many questions were answered, new tips and techniques were shared, additional training plans were created, and many children continue progressing beautifully in therapy.

And we are so excited that we have now also started providing speech therapy in Guatemala City!

Did you know we provide speech therapy across ALL of Guatemala? 🇬🇹

Nobody else is doing this on this scale, and it is truly one of the most important parts of cleft care. Surgery changes a child’s smile — but speech therapy helps give them their voice. 🩷

13/05/2026

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Nuestra Carmen ❤️❤️❤️❤️

12/05/2026

❤❤❤❤

12/05/2026

This week we are operating on 12 children with cleft palate! Our incredible local team is donating 2 full days of their time to give back and help these kids receive the care they deserve. ❤️

All of these children had their lip surgeries last year, and seeing their journeys continue is so rewarding. Deysi had a very severe bilateral cleft lip and palate, with little teeth even protruding from her premaxilla before surgery. Those fell out before her lip repair, and the transformation since then has been unbelievable.

Our amazing bilateral queen Patty (Patricia Bortoluzzi) repaired Deysi’s lip, as well as Henry’s and Cesar’s — and the results are truly mind-blowing. We are beyond proud of this team and so grateful to work alongside such talented, compassionate people. The best team ever! 🙌

11/05/2026

Today on Mother’s Day, 12 incredible moms traveled to our patient home to stay close to their children before upcoming surgeries. Far from home, they carry so much strength, love, and courage for their families every single day.

Our team was so happy to welcome them and celebrate these beautiful mothers with a delicious cake and a little time together. It is only a small gesture compared to all they do, but we hope they feel how deeply valued and loved they are.

To these sweet and brave moms — thank you for your endless love, gentle hearts, and unwavering strength. We are honored to celebrate you today.

Happy Mother’s Day from Guatemala! 💕🌷

06/05/2026

The supermodels of Victoria's Secret are undeniably beautiful—but beauty is so much more than that.

Together with our good friend Guillermo from Mexico, we started talking about a new project: turning our teenagers into supermodels. After months of preparation, we finally decided to give it a try.

We invited a group of our teens, gave them a glamorous makeover, and Guillermo captured incredible photos. The confidence we saw in them was truly amazing.

We had such a great day, and in this video, we’re giving you a sneak peek of what happened behind the scenes. The video is in Spanish—so consider it a fun little excuse to practice your Spanish 😉

At our anniversary events in the Netherlands and Guatemala, these models will take the spotlight! And maybe—just maybe—we’ll share a few photos before then… but be ready, because they look absolutely stunning.

Dirección

Callejón 4
Antigua
03001

Teléfono

+50240954147

Página web

http://www.tessunlimited.com/

Notificaciones

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