![Cleft Con logo](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-11/cleft-con-smile-train-title-50.jpg?itok=E3NdJBHs)
At Cleft Con 2021, Vulnerability is Strength
“It's amazing what your cleft journey will do to your life when you embrace it.”
![Mouhamed with his parents](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-11/mouhamed-with-family-before-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-cameroon.jpg?itok=eS1LBsLc)
A Son’s Cleft, a Father’s Destiny
How Mouhamed’s cleft might forever change cleft care in Cameroon
Vivian Exemplifies Beauty Inside and Out
When Vivian started school, the kids laughed at her so much she didn't want to live. Then she met someone who told her she should become a model.
![Miracle with her teacher and a classmate](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-11/miracle-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-uganda-smile-train-with-teacher-and-friend.jpg?itok=XiFi0OVr)
A Miracle to Believe In
A cleft mother’s true story of faith, miracles, and Smile Train
![Benjamin thinking in a field in Kenya after his Smile Train-sponsored cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-10/benjamin-k-thinks-outside-after-free-smile-train-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-kenya.jpg?itok=-d4oDesF)
![Rosemary holding Nyasha](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-09/nyasha-og.jpg?itok=D48civoT)
Rosemary Has Something to Tell You
![Kenyan Drake huddles with Smile Train patients in Mexico](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-08/kenyan-drake-in-mexico-with-smile-train-in-huddle-with-kids-nfl-philanthropy.jpg?itok=SJtAKfdh)
Kenyan Drake: NFL Star, Smile Maker
The Las Vegas Raider’s surprisingly personal connection to cleft care.
![Munashe smiling after free Smile Train-sponsored cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-08/munashe-free-cleft-treatment-zimbabwe-50.jpg?itok=O93ipfL8)
Getting Munashe Back
![Smile Train patient Demaris from Kenya holds a picture of herself before her free cleft surgery](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-07/damaris-holding-photo-before-free-smile-train-cleft-lip-cleft-palate-surgery-kenya.jpg?itok=g5glTJIO)
Determined Damaris
Even when the whole world seemed against her, Damaris persisted. And won.
![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.
![Annointed with his mother, Favour, after his cleft surgery.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-05/annointed-with-mother-after-free-cleft-lip-palate-surgery-nigeria.jpg?itok=uWuEc449)
Annointed for Greatness
The story of a cleft mother’s bravery, in her own words.