Because a child with a cleft lip cannot form the shape of an “O” with their mouth and a child with a cleft palate cannot create the proper airflow to blow, simple pastimes like blowing bubbles are quite challenging.
While this may not seem like a big deal to adults, it can be to a child watching their peers enjoy a childhood without restrictions.
Blowing bubbles or kisses, or making a click-clack sound with the tongue and palate are childhood joys that remind children with cleft conditions that they are different.
Many children feel isolated and lonely, shunned by their community because of a lack of awareness about this common medical condition. When left untreated at school age, children face painful bullying that impacts their self-esteem and mental health.
While the children we serve experience adversity at a young age, they have bright futures because of partners like you. Compassionate Canadians like you are providing life-changing cleft surgery, nutrition, speech therapy, audiology, dental care and orthodontics, and counseling through their giving.
Nutritional counseling can save the life of a malnourished infant and help them grow strong enough for surgery.
Surgery can end bullying and shame for a shunned child.
Speech therapy and dental care can restore confidence and self-esteem to a child… and even help them blow bubbles for the first time!
And counseling can help heal the wounds left from a cleft condition.
Simply put… your generosity gives children their childhood back. Now that’s something to smile about!
