Smile Train to Serve as a National Sponsor of ACPA’s 100 Cleft Portraits Tour in the U.S.
A national movement of representation and belonging arrives in summer 2026
February 27, 2026 – Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, proudly announces its national sponsorship of the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour in the U.S., presented by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA). A powerful exhibition created by advocate, artist, and trauma-informed coach Katie Manning, the exhibition will travel to hospitals, universities, and other venues nationwide from July-August 2026, aiming to foster understanding, belonging, and awareness across communities.
Manning, a member of Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council, created the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour to celebrate the strength, identity, and lived experiences of people born with cleft. Fifteen portraits featured in the tour will spotlight Smile Train patients.
“Families who have long felt unseen will see themselves honored,” said Manning. “This project invites people to embrace the truth, beauty, and courage within every cleft journey.”
The tour will visit ACPA Approved Teams in Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Winston-Salem, Atlanta, Orlando, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Chicago, Madison, Kansas City, Houston, and San Diego.
“Smile Train is honored to serve as a national sponsor of the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour in the U.S.,” said Adina Lescher, Smile Train’s Vice President, Community Development. “This exhibition aligns with our vision to ensure that every person born with cleft is seen, valued, and supported.”
Smile Train and ACPA invite partners, sponsors, clinics, and communities to join the movement through hosting opportunities, donations, sponsorships, and media engagement.
“ACPA is proud to present the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour in the U.S., a powerful celebration of identity and representation,” said Adam Levy, ACPA Executive Director. “Katie’s work shows what we know to be true: every cleft journey deserves visibility, connection, and community. This tour is only possible because of the commitment of our volunteers and ACPA Approved Teams nationwide.”
About Smile Train
Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.
About the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is the premier scientific resource and interdisciplinary professional network for healthcare providers serving patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial differences. ACPA is a 501c3 nonprofit association of individuals and healthcare professionals who are interested in clinical care and research advancements for those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions. ACPA was founded in 1943. ACPA works to support the care of patients affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions. These patients require care from a variety of specialists over time, and ACPA optimizes outcomes for individuals with oral cleft and craniofacial conditions through education, support, research and interdisciplinary team care. For more information, please visit acpacares.org or visit www.thecleftwarriorwoman.com/cleftportraitstourusa.