Connecting with Adults Who Have a Cleft Lip and Palate
In July, 2022 I attended the first EVER in-person CleftCon hosted by SmileTrain for anyone who has a cleft lip and palate or who has a child with a cleft lip or palate. It was a weekend full of inspiration, tears, overwhelming emotions, strength, resiliency, compassion, friendship, love, bonding, storytelling and so much more!
What is Cleft Con?
Cleft Con is Smile Train's annual conference that brings together the cleft lip and palate community. Cleft Con is vital to Smile Train’s work of educating the public about cleft lip and palate to reduce stigma, drive acceptance, and promote the inherent beauty of every face. During this one-day conference, there are mini sessions discussing topics such as how to feed your baby when they have a cleft, navigating the medical care for your child, and even an adult's journey with cleft lip and palate.
Making New Friends - Connecting with Old
As a member of the Cleft Community Advisory Council, I have been volunteering with Smile Train for several and knew many members from the organization and the cleft lip and palate community. Over the course of the weekend, it was wonderful to meet and spend time with people from Smile Train and the Cleft Community who I’ve only worked with virtually over Zoom. I reunited with old friends, and made new friends along with many new memories and lots of laughter. One of the people I was most excited to meet was a very dear friend who started the cleft affected adult group that helped me get on my path to self-acceptance around my cleft, and the advocacy work I do today.
Inspiration Young and Old!
I was in the presence of a 12 year old girl, Dahlia, who has a cleft lip and palate. She was oozing so much confidence around the adults, I couldn’t believe she was a child! I met Hunter, a 14 year old who was the son of Jessi, his mom that I knew very well and worked with quite closely with Smile Train. My favorite moment was when there were ONLY adults with a cleft lip and palate all in the SAME room at the SAME time. I was overwhelmed with emotions being in the presence of 15 other men and women who shared the same birth difference I did. The strength, resiliency and inspiration of all of us in that room was incredible. The most memorable moments were the laughs we had over our shared experiences of having a cleft.
Dahlia (12) and Hunter (14) Teenagers with Cleft Lip and Palate
Hearing about New Ventures!
I listened to stories of other adults with a cleft and heard how a group of six moms from the same town formed a support group and held fundraisers. Two of my friends shared exciting news about a podcast they will be publishing all about cleft lip and palate. Smile Train also shared exciting new plans and ventures on their agenda. During the conference I exchanged ideas with a fellow confidence coach, moderators of cleft groups, and most of all Smile Train! I appreciate Smile Train having a session asking for the community’s input. I loved our last night together where members of Cleft Community Advisory Council (CCAC), got a “group selfie”
Smile Train Cleft Community Advisory Council
Can't Forget Sightseeing!
There was plenty of time for fun as well! A few friends and I did our own walking tour of Chicago the day we arrived. We walked to the Millennium Park, had a fabulous lunch at Remington's, and walked to the Willis Tower to see the Sky Ledge (and I got over my fear of heights!). I got to see parts of the city that I’ve only seen in movies, and checked another location off my bucket list, while spending many laughs over dinner and morning coffee overlooking the river.
Thank you Smile Train for a wonderful Cleft Con Chicago 2022 and I can’t wait for the next one!
If you want more information on how you can become involved with SmileTrain, or the next CleftCon, contact me.