Our Stories

“It's amazing what your cleft journey will do to your life when you embrace it.”

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. 

Why Dave is a proud monthly donor to Smile Train. 

Clefts are not just "fixable."

When Chelsea learned Luca would be born with a cleft, she couldn't find a community to comfort her. So she started her own.

Every month when the donation pops up on my statement... I’m able to put things back into perspective.

Overcoming stigma "taught me just what a strong and determined woman I am."

Her family's motto: “May Your Smile Change the World.”

She endured 16 cleft surgeries as a girl. Now, nothing stops Amanda from living #CleftStrong.