Our Stories

Even knowing help is available isn’t always enough to remove the stigma of having a cleft.

Angelica was 15 years old, single, and had just given birth to a baby with a cleft. All she knew about clefts was how she had seen people with them harassed without mercy. But she promised to never give up on the little life before her. 

"For me, it’s always the question of 'What if Smile Train hadn’t been there?'"

Monica has been through more than any child should, but today she shines bright.

Stella breastfed her seven other children without problems, but Maria’s clefts caused the milk to come out of her nose and made her choke.

Though Mohammad's future is uncertain, Smile Train has given him hope.

Everyone told Gyana to abandon her daughter when she was born with a cleft; her husband threatened to kill himself if she didn't. Afraid for both their lives, she took the child and fled. 

When Oscar was born with a cleft, his family found a mission-based organization to provide him with the surgery they could not afford. But when a complication arose, they had already left the country. Thankfully, Smile Train's local partners are always there. 

After a rough beginning, Jenious' life is now filled with puppies, music, and kung-fu.