![Luke in formal attire](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/luke-zappia-bowtie.jpg?itok=TKzM-eia)
Luke Zappia Wants Children With Clefts to be Superheroes
He doesn't have a cleft, but Smile Train has always been like a part of his family.
![Emily Smile Train YLC member](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/emily-wears-penn-shirt.jpg?itok=Wt4E7Ks4)
Emily Jiang Makes a Difference, No Matter the Distance
How one conversation — and one good idea — can make a huge difference.
![Julia holds up Smile Train banner](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/julia-holds-smile-train-sign.jpg?itok=Fwh2eRvl)
Julia Hahn Knows the Power of a Smile
"I know Smile Train really is changing the world one smile at a time because one of those smiles is mine."
![Christine Smessaert in front of graffiti](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/christine-smessaert-graffiti.jpg?itok=O9IjVYa2)
Christine Smessaert: A Smile is a Connection
![Mark Lent with medal from Chicago Marathon](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/mark-lent-chicago.jpg?itok=1Di-avsV)
Mark Goes the Extra Smile
When he turned 30, Mark knew he had to turn his life around and get fit. Thanks to Team EMPOWER, his good decision is also changing the lives of children in need around the world.
![Bhavana Smile Train YLC member](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/bhavana-smiles.jpg?itok=SgknpyWG)
Bhavana Venkataram: The Importance of Comprehensive Cleft Care
It wasn’t until my trip to Mexico that I realized the impact Smile Train has — it was unbelievable.
![Dr Lawrence headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/dr-clayton-lawrence.jpg?itok=KHF5Jx-H)
Team EMPOWER Spotlight: Dr. Clayton Lawrence
We interview Smile Train Team EMPOWER member Dr. Clayton Lawrence.
![A mother with her child after her cleft lip and palate surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/model-of-empowerment-mother-with-child-with-a-cleft-lip-cleft-palate.jpg?itok=6f2lXZDh)
A Model of Empowerment
It's past time to rethink the mission model of cleft care.
![Riley at Smile Train's office](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/riley-at-smile-train.jpg?itok=kRHYuQe7)
Riley Froomin is Baking, Talking, and Writing for Smiles
How Riley used her passions to get her whole community involved in raising money for smiles.
![Kathryn Rodriguez and family](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-08/kathryn-rodriguez-header.jpg?itok=iIRC0fOV)
A Second Attempt in the Second City
Kathryn Rodriguez signs up to run the Chicago Marathon for her brother and daughter