Elder Stevenson Ministers to Children in Chile
On Friday, June 13, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the Smiles of Heroes Center in Santiago, Chile.
This center cares for children with advanced illnesses and complex conditions. During his visit, the Apostle shared the following message:
“We view you as the hands of Jesus Christ Himself. The Lord will bless you because of it.”
Many of the children at the center use wheelchairs, making transportation a daily concern for families. Therefore, the Church donated two adapted vehicles that will facilitate the children’s access to their therapies and activities.
Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Camila, a mother of a girl who attends the center, expressed with emotion:
“Thanks to this donation, people like me who live far away will now have better access to the center.”
For several years, the Church has supported this center through various donations: from dental equipment and physical therapy beds to a special lift to help children enter the therapeutic pool.
But what has most moved the center’s staff is not just the resources, but the love they have felt from the members.
What Started as a Dream
Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The center’s story began with an unexpected experience. Sandra Corrales, a former professional athlete and director of Sonrisas de Héroes, had constant visions of a child in a hospital bed.
Moved by that feeling, she went to donate her medals, and upon entering the ICU, she found the same child she had seen. She handed him her last medal and said:
“Fight”.
That child raised his voice and said:
“I’m a champion. You are athletes for a dream.”
Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
From that day on, Sandra knew her true career had just begun. She founded Smiles of Heroes to provide care, dignity, and joy to children who often haven’t received the support they need. She has accompanied hundreds of them, even in their final moments, remaining for many the only stable figure in their lives.
Today, her vision continues to grow. With the arrival of the new vans, more children will be able to receive care and, above all, smile.
Sandra emphasizes that these aren’t:
“sick children—they are children: children with dreams, with life, with smiles, and with families.”
She sees them as “superheroes,” which is why the center is named “Sonrisas de Héroes” (Smiles of Heroes).
Source: newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
Read more: masfe.org
