![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.
![Mathias Kiwanuka visits a child in Uganda wearing a New York Giants hat.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-04/mathias-kiwanuka-in-uganda-with-child-in-bed-ny-giants-hat-cleft-surgery.jpg?itok=Dxia187H)
Super Bowl Champion, Activist, Smile Maker: An Interview with our Newest Board Member
Mathias Kiwanuka knows the true meaning of greatness.
Milagros Finishes Strong
How Smile Train helped a girl who nearly didn't survive infancy grow to become queen of the rink.
The Song That Changed Everything
Sofia would hide at school so people wouldn't hear her voice. Now she wants the world to hear every word.
Thank You For Giving Us Something To Smile About In 2020
Thanks to you, thousands of children will think of 2020 as the best year ever.
![William David Boling with his wife](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/william-david-boling.jpg?itok=hhtDV7uv)
Three Generations of Clefts, One Lifelong Commitment to Smiles
Why Dave is a proud monthly donor to Smile Train.
![Smile Train CleftCon 2020](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-03/cleftcon-smile-train-2020.jpg?itok=dP2ES-Wq)
Cleft Con Unites #Cleftstrong Community in Pride and Power
"There's power in my cleft."
![Tom Ragland Smile Train supporter](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/tom-ragland-smile-train.jpg?itok=7RRcdMMM)
Tom Ragland: “Every Child Deserves the Right to Smile.”
"Be strong. Work hard. Love one another."
![Homer Scoville Smile Train supporter](/sites/default/files/styles/1_column_470_x_305/public/2021-02/homer-scoville-smile-train-supporter.jpg?itok=vuQ6m0sw)
Homer Scoville’s Legacy of Successes and Smiles
While Homer succeeded in three challenging careers, he was most proud of the smiles he made along the way.
Chelsea and Luca
When Chelsea learned Luca would be born with a cleft, she couldn't find a community to comfort her. So she started her own.