The establishment of the MDF was spearheaded in 1986 by Dr. William Jackson and his wife Audrey, who were touched by the number of children suffering from various disfiguring disabilities such as harelip, cleft palates, crossed eyes and club feet. With the support of the other church leaders of the Latter Day Saints and the community, a Recuperative Care House was put up in Manila. Patients who were assessed to be in need of surgeries for their deformities were taken care of in the said house.
Its first surgical program was organized in partnership with the St. Luke’s Medical Center. From this beginning, the Foundation expanded its coverage to the various regions in the country as an affiliate of the Charity Vision International which is based in Utah, USA.