![Cleft Awareness Month 2021 #cleftproud](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-07/cleft-awareness-month-cleft-proud-2021.jpg?itok=buw1bbZh)
What My Cleft Taught Me
In honor of Cleft Awareness Month 2021, Smile Train's Cleft Community Advisory Council presents real-life stories of growing up with a cleft or being the mom to a child with a cleft from people who have been there.
How Smile Train Helped Aaron Smile Even Before He Was Born
Our model of empowering local cleft teams makes all the difference for families like Aaron's.
![Smile Train supporter Randall Bolling](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-05/randall-bolling-st.jpg?itok=gKy4BA6h)
![Dr. Elizabeth Igaga, an anesthesiologist, is committed to surgical patient safety.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-06/igaga-anesthesiologist-patient-safety-web.png?itok=5gmQsgTW)
The Fight to Provide Safe Surgery
Inside and outside the operating room, Dr. Elizabeth Igaga is fighting to make anesthesia and surgery safer for every patient.
![Pam with Susie and a patient](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-05/pam-s-with-child-and-susie.jpg?itok=n3ThW6VW)
Pamela Sheeran on Smile Train’s Investment in Expanding Non-Surgical Cleft Care
![Oscar holding a picture of himself before free Smile Train cleft lip and plate surgery in Zambia.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-04/oscar-after-free-cleft-surgery-holding-before-picture-zambia.jpg?itok=u-8JmCUs)
Oscar is a Gift
How a mother found the strength to raise eight boys on her own and a son found the strength to smile.
![Daniel in first grade, after receiving cleft surgery in America.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-04/jasmine-c-50-50.jpg?itok=8zvVnM9Z)
Why My Son Says He Always Wanted a Cleft
How Jasmine went from fear and self-doubt upon receiving the news that her baby would have a cleft to raising a six-year-old who is #CleftProud.
![Anghelo hugs his mother after free cleft surgery in Peru](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-04/anghelo-with-mom-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-peru.jpg?itok=gX4sMVHu)
Anghelo Soars from the Lowest Valley to the Highest Peak
After experiencing some of the lowest depths imaginable, Anghelo and his family now celebrate their miraculous lives.
![Smile Train patient Gianna after cleft lip and palate surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/covid-gianna-after-cleft-lip-palate-surgery.jpg?itok=UTeAm63j)
How Smile Train Kept Making Smiles Through COVID-19
While other cleft organizations’ operations were indefinitely suspended or severely cut back, Smile Train was able to keep moving.
![Adriana Zavalaga Smile Train Nutrition](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/adriana-smile-train-nutrition.jpg?itok=BcYChU8A)
Adriana Zavalaga: It Starts with Nutrition
Adriana is bringing nutrition education to cleft-affected families across Peru.
![Dr. Amanda Malungo holding a cleft patient after his surgery.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/amanda-malungo-cleft-lip-cleft-palate-surgeon-zambia-holding-patient.jpg?itok=iM3or6IP)
This Woman — and Smile Train Partner — is Making History in Zambia
She's 36 years old, a mother of four, Zambia's first female plastic surgeon, and a Smile Train partner. Here's how she does it all.