Dr. Ernest Cronin Operation San José Cleft Palate Mission Trip Endowment
$3 million over five years will fund:
A lasting endowment in honor of Dr. Ernest Cronin that will fully fund the Operation San José cleft palate mission trip in perpetuity.
The Impact of Your Gift
In 1983, a conversation with Honduran President Roberto Suazo-Córdova changed everything for Dr. Ernest Cronin. He learned that countless children in Honduras were born with cleft lip and palate defects, facing stigma, hardship and limited opportunities—all due to a condition that could be corrected with proper medical care. Determined to help, Dr. Cronin assembled a small team and traveled to Tegucigalpa, launching Operation San José, a mission to provide free, life-changing surgeries to children in need.
Since that first trip, more than 1,500 children across Latin America and Mexico have received critical surgical care through Dr. Cronin and his team of volunteers. These procedures have restored smiles, confidence and dignity, giving children the chance to lead healthier, more hopeful lives. For Dr. Cronin, this was never just about medicine—it was a calling to transform futures, one surgery at a time.
Join Us In Securing This Legacy
In honor of Dr. Cronin, CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare is committed to ensuring that Operation San José continues to change lives—forever.
By contributing to the Dr. Ernest Cronin Operation San José Cleft Palate Mission Trip Endowment, you are:
• Funding life-changing surgical care for children in need, year after year.
• Supporting volunteer medical heroes who dedicate their time and expertise to this mission.
• Honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Cronin, ensuring his vision and compassion continue to shape futures for generations to come.
With your support, we can fully fund Operation San José in perpetuity, guaranteeing that dozens of children each year receive the care they so desperately need. Your generosity can change a child’s life forever. Join us in keeping this mission alive.
For more information on how you can make a lasting impact, please contact James Nicas, Executive Director for Philanthropy, at 713-803-1809 or james.nicas@christushealth.org, or Molly Marshall, Senior Director of Development, at 713-803-1810 or molly.marshall@christushealth.org.