HUGS Foundation

As a facial plastic surgery specialist in Rochester, New York, Dr. Vito Quatela arrived at a point in his life where he wanted to use his skills to impact the lives of children around the world. Driven by that simple, yet profound goal, in 2003 Dr. Quatela established the HUGS Foundation, Inc. (Help Us Give Smiles). Since then, he’s recruited a team of skilled plastic surgeons who donate their time and services to correcting congenital facial deformities for children in underserved countries around the world.

Dr. Quatela says his motivation for the HUGS Foundation was simple: “Every human being has a fundamental right to the opportunity to grow and develop socially and intellectually without being ostracized or rejected due to physical abnormality.”

For the children touched by HUGS, surgery becomes the gift they need to lead a normal, fulfilling life. In addition to the enhanced appearance and function of their facial features, it opens up opportunities for them to assimilate into society and aspire to a better education.

Fueled by his compassion for others, especially children, Dr. Quatela continues to participate in multiple medical missions each year. Each time, a multi-specialty team of experts accompanies him, providing free medical care to children and adolescents. All are suffering from deformities or conditions that can be remedied or alleviated through surgery.