Smile Train Unites the Global Cleft Community for the Sixth Annual Cleft Con in Orlando

Orlando, FL – July 21, 2025 – Smile Train, the world's largest cleft-focused organization, proudly hosted the sixth annual Cleft Con, an immersive and interactive event dedicated to unifying cleft-affected individuals.

Cleft Con brings together individuals, families, healthcare professionals and advocates from around the world to share stories, exchange knowledge and foster connections to enhance empowerment and education in the cleft space.

“Smile Train was proud to host Cleft Con for the sixth year in a row to provide a space where every voice is heard,” said Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO, Smile Train. “This event is an opportunity for cleft-affected individuals to come together, support one another and inspire positive change.”

This year’s event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Isaac Ballou. His passion for cleft advocacy was sparked by his younger sister, Iva, Smile Train’s cleft community development manager, who was born with a cleft. Witnessing her journey firsthand inspired him to champion the cause.

“Attending my second Cleft Con, this time as a featured speaker, was an incredibly meaningful experience,” said Ballou. “Through events like this, we can bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a world where every cleft-affected person feels supported and included.”

Visit Cleft Con Orlando 2025 | Smile Train to learn more about the event.

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 Cleft Con:

Cleft Con is a conference for and by the cleft community hosted by Smile Train. It is an honest, immersive, interactive experience for the entire cleft community. On one unforgettable day, attendees learn from experts on the issues that affect us the most, from emotional and medical issues to logistical issues. They participate in roundtable discussions with others who have been there. And they leave with new strategies for tackling tough conversations, ways to educate others about clefts, and new friends for life.

Media Contact:

Emily Gay
Public Relations Strategist
[email protected]
(561) 308-0089