At Cleft Con 2021, Vulnerability is Strength
“It's amazing what your cleft journey will do to your life when you embrace it.”
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 Nijha Makes the Stars Smile
Talking celebrities and staying grounded with Smile Train’s Senior Director of PR.
How Iva Found Joy in Her Cleft
Why My Son Says He Always Wanted a Cleft
How Jasmine went from fear and self-doubt upon receiving the news that her baby would have a cleft to raising a six-year-old who is #CleftProud.
Why Hema Smiles No Matter What
When Hema was 12 years old, she learned that not everyone born with a cleft received the care she did. She decided right then to change that.
“It is a Journey”: In Conversation with the Mom of a Child With a Cleft
Clefts are not just "fixable."
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.
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 Jiang Makes a Difference, No Matter the Distance
How one conversation — and one good idea — can make a huge difference.