Smile Train Regional Update: Americas
Our Regional Director for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean on our local response to COVID-19.
![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.
Three Moms Passing Knowledge and Comfort On
Meet the three moms changing what it means to have a child with a cleft in Chiapas.
![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."
![Manny Ventura Smile Train supporter](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/manny-ventura-smile-train-supporter.jpg?itok=2_TheN41)
Manny Ventura: “What’s Your Battle Scar?”
"Being born “different” is exactly why you should achieve big goals and be full of confidence."
Peggy and Katy
![Grace Peters Smile Train staff](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/grace-peters.jpg?itok=_sNoVSgK)
Grace Peters: Born With a Purpose
How Smile Train helped Grace go from a girl looking for answers to global cleft hero.
![Habeeba's family holds image of her before cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/habeeba-family-hold-before-image.jpg?itok=wIzXMn7A)
A Father In Disbelief
When Habeeba was born, the doctor gasped and told her mother, Ahlam, he’d never seen a baby like her before.
It Starts with a Smile: Wang Li
![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.