SGF Homepage > Cleft Homepage > The Face Hunters
Before the surgery… before the smile… Someone has to find the child.
Before the surgery…
before the smile…
Someone has to find the child.
In far-flung villages—up in the hills, across rivers, hours from the nearest hospital—many children with cleft conditions remain unseen.
Some families are too poor to travel. Others don’t know that help exists. Many are afraid to ask. This is where the Face Hunters begin.
The Face Hunters are part of Sulu Garden Foundation’s community outreach program. They are trained volunteers who search for children and adults born with cleft conditions. These volunteers are often from the community themselves, making it easier to reach families and build trust.
Their goal is to make sure no child with cleft is left behind.
One of these Face Hunters is Robin Haywood, a dedicated American who has been searching for cleft patients in remote parts of Panay since 2014.
He is often joined by his wife, Laura Reaney, offering calm and comfort to worried families.
Together with M3 founder, Larry, they began this mission—traveling to mountains, rice paddies, and distant villages to find children in need. They’ve found hundreds of cleft patients across Panay, most of whom would never have made it to a hospital without their help. They are supported by the Sulu Garden Foundation, in partnership with Smile Train and M3 Philippines.
As the lead of the Community Outreach Program, Robin regularly travels to various areas to meet with families, provide clear information about the treatment process, and assist in preparing children for surgery. His compassionate approach and ability to communicate with clarity have earned the trust of many families in the communities he serves.
Once a child is identified, they undergo initial screening and are registered for surgery. This early step helps ensure that families are informed and the child is fully prepared for the upcoming medical mission.
Learn more about the Face Hunters and their work through this Youtube video:
