COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ethan Richlak’s mission for raising awareness and funds for Operation Smile is personal.
“It’s something that you kind of have to wear the rest of your life on your face. And (for) a lot of people that may be daunting, but it’s kind of a good thing,” said Richlak, an Ohio State pharmaceutical science and pre-med student.
Richlak is also the primary leader in the student-run awareness and support group Operation Smile Club.
“There’s a lot of struggles that come with it, but I think that having a clef condition kind of builds a lot of character and it’s kind of shaped me personally into who I am. And I’ve been able to meet so many great people and have so (many) opportunities,” said Richlak.
The 20-year-old junior has had a handful of surgeries in his lifetime. He currently wears braces and over the summer had complete jaw reconstruction surgery.
He said Ohio and the U.S. have top-notch oral surgery options for clef conditions, but other developing nations need support.
“Here we have the best care in the world. There it’s either crippling expensive or unsafe and unsanitary, so Operation Smile really fundraises so they can send doctors and health professionals out there to perform these surgeries and provide any additional care to them,” said Richlak.
Richlak, who one day hopes to be a surgeon, said he will continue to be an advocate even after he graduates from medical school.
“That’s why I decided to get more active and involved in it, and that has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Because it’s made me feel more confident about myself and just feel better in general. And especially being able to help others who have dealt with the same things that I have,” Richlak said.
“Most people with clef, you know, they are subject to stigma, bullying and what-not. So a lot of them are shy and introverted, and I’ve tried to tell people that it’s good to be yourself,” said Richlak.
For more information on the condition or to donate to Operation Smile, click here.
