Palo Alto Orthodontist Awards Free Braces to Local Patient through Non-Profit

Online, October 30, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Wu Orthodontics recently awarded the newest recipient of the Smile for a Lifetime Midpeninsula Chapter orthodontic scholarship. 

Smile for a Lifetime Midpeninsula is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides orthodontic scholarships to under-served youth. The organization aims to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations and orthodontic needs. The national foundation provides hundreds of scholarships each year to children through local chapters in the U.S. Each chapter has its own Board of Directors who chooses the patients to be treated by the Foundation. 

Dr. Eric Wu, founder of the Midpeninsula Chapter of Smile for a Lifetime, greeted the newest recipient, 15-year-old Maria, at his orthodontic practice in Palo Alto with the exciting news. Thinking she was going into the office for a routine interview with the Board of Directors, it was a surprise for Maria.

Recipients of the award are selected based on financial and orthodontic need, community involvement, and positive letters of recommendation. Maria's references praised her for her dedication to school and to serving others.

"Maria is ranked #1 in our Freshman class and is a diligent worker. When working in the community to help those around her, she will put all her heart and soul into making sure whomever she helps is given her best effort to become a better person," says Maria's AVID Elective Teacher.

A major part of the orthodontic scholarship involves a "Pay it Forward" program. If awarded the scholarship, recipients are required to pay it forward by helping others in the community. Maria plans to "Pay it Forward" by serving to those who need an extra hand or by making someone's day a bit brighter. 

"When I 'pay it forward' I feel helpful and it encourages me to continue offering my time to others because I am making a difference with a simple act of kindness. Paying it forward is not about receiving volunteer hours or incentives from teachers or organizations, instead it's about being able to say that you enjoyed your day with an extraordinary group of people," says Maria.

The Midpeninsula Chapter of Smile for a Lifetime has awarded three children so far and plans to award six more scholarships in 2015. For application guidelines, deadlines and general information about the non-profit.

"Bringing Smile for a Lifetime to the Midpeninsula region has been a rewarding experience for my team and me. We're not just giving free braces to a child in need; we're giving them confidence to take on the world," says Dr. Wu.

About Smile for a Lifetime 
Smile for a Lifetime Midpeninsula is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides orthodontic scholarships to under-served youth. We aim to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations, and orthodontic needs.

About Wu Orthodontics
Wu Orthodontics has been serving the Palo Alto area for over seven years and offers top quality orthodontic care in a state-of-the-art facility. The practice is dedicated to using the most advanced orthodontic techniques and treatment options to deliver outstanding results. Wu Orthodontics strives to provide treatment options that reduce treatment time, avoid extractions and provide greater comfort during treatment.