HUGS Foundation, Inc.

HUGS was founded in 2003 with the idea that every child has the fundamental right to a full and enriching childhood. Every girl and boy should experience play, follow his or her curiosity, feel secure, know joy.

Unfortunately, many children in emerging countries are deprived of these basic life lessons and comforts, due to a lack of medical care of the quality readily available in the United States. Left unattended, these children would have little hope of leading robust lives.

The Mission

HUGS delivers medical care to children and adolescents suffering from a wide array of physical deformities and conditions remedied through surgery. HUGS helps children develop into confident, secure and responsible individuals free from their congenital or other conditions.

A Word from Dr. Quatela, Founder of HUGS

"I cannot begin to adequately express the importance of the work we do on our missions. Each time we travel to a distant land, we are able to leave knowing that about 50 young people have been dramatically impacted by our efforts. Their faces have been changed, and their lives will never be the same. I invite you to join with me in continuing this important task, so that together, using the talents and resources that we have, we may leave this world a little better than we found it."

~Vito C. Quatela, M.D.



For more information or to donate to the HUGS Foundation, please click here.