Smile Train

Smile Train supporters from all over the United States joined together today on Capitol Hill to advocate for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA). This bipartisan legislation would mandate that insurance plans cover all necessary services related to diagnosing and treating birth differences, including clefts, closing statewide gaps in coverage. Join Smile Train and advocate for ELSA! Learn more about our cleft community programs here: https://lnkd.in/evrmZ64p

Vickie Stolle is a motivational speaker. Recently featured on KOIN-TV, a television station in Portland, Oregon, Vickie's compelling story has touched the hearts of audiences everywhere. As an Ambassador for Smile Train and a Certified Wisdom Coach at Dragonfly Paradigm, Vickie dedicates herself to empowering others. Want to hear her in person? Save the date for Cleft Con, happening in Houston on July 20, where you can connect with more inspiring members of the cleft community, learn from top experts, make new friends, and hear real talk on the emotional, medical, and logistical issues our community knows so well from others who have been there. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ee63A--v Register for Cleft Con here: https://lnkd.in/eMj39iWx

Let's celebrate Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi (Smile Train VP and Regional Director for Africa) for being recognized at the Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Awards #EWAH2024! 🏆 Mrs. Obi was recognized for her innovative interventions which have helped to advance the health of Nigerians and Africans at large through diversity, inclusiveness, innovation, and her 'miles-to-go' mindset. In particular, Mrs. Obi stood out for her unique ability to provide equity and access for patients needing cleft surgeries. The EWAH Awards is a program of The Commonwealth Institute and is hosted by the LiveWell Initiative (LWI) in Africa. A member of the UN Global Compact UN Global Compact Network USA, LWI holds affiliations with numerous academic institutions including the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Des Moines University, the University of Helsinki, and multiple universities in Nigeria. LWI believe in advancing gender-related causes and is a signatory to the UN's Women's Empowerment Principles. (UN Women) Congratulations Nkeiruka Obi! 🌟

Empowering local practitioners helps to transform futures. Smile Train ensures sustainable cleft care by teaching and empowering medical professionals worldwide. Together, we're building resilient medical infrastructure that lasts. Read the full Economic Impact Report here: https://lnkd.in/ehPw447v

Meet Pablo Estuardo and his mother, Paulina, from Chile! At 14, Pablo excels in school. His passion lies in acting, where he thrives in portraying challenging characters. Paulina discovered Pablo's cleft during an ultrasound, finding solace and guidance. From prenatal care through surgeries, speech therapy, and orthodontics, Pablo has received comprehensive support. Paulina recalls the challenges, especially a difficult surgery that required re-hospitalization, but credits the foundation and their family's strength for overcoming each hurdle together. "I didn't experience the process as a problem," Pablo shares. "My mom gives me a lot of support. She's kind and beautiful and helps me with everything." Looking ahead, Paulina dreams of Pablo's happiness and success, envisioning a future where he may even become a Hollywood actor. With his determination and Paulina's support, Pablo is sure to achieve his dreams and inspire us all along the way.

Did you know that a baby is born with a cleft every three minutes? July is Cleft Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness and advocate for those in need. Kimora Lee Simmons is proud to support Smile Train. Let's unite to make a difference and ensure every child has the chance to thrive. Together, we can change the world one smile at a time! #CleftAwarenessMonth

🌟 Proud of Jimmy Pardo and the incredible team at Never Not Funny for 15 years of laughter and impact through their annual Pardcast-A-Thon! Comedian Jimmy Pardo, hosted a yearly Pardcast-A-Thon of his own, to benefit Smile Train. After 15 years and more than $1.5 million raised, Jimmy came into 2024 knowing this Pardcast-A-Thon would be his last. But if this year was to be the punchline at the end of a long, long setup, he was going to make sure no one ever forgot it. This year also marks Smile Train’s 25th anniversary, and this February, we sponsored our 2 millionth life-changing cleft surgery. So what better way to sign off than by announcing that, after taking in $126,570 that last night, the Pardcast-A-Thon had raised a grand total of nearly $2 million for Smile Train! Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eZBuCmcR

Relive the highlights from Smile Train HQ's Staff Wellness Day! 🌟 From journaling to Tai Chi, meditation, Emotional Freedom Technique, and a healthy snack demo. Watch the recap now!

What Are Clefts? 1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate globally. Children with untreated clefts face physical difficulties eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. Cleft treatment alleviates many of these challenges, ultimately enabling them to thrive. Swipe through to learn more about cleft lips and palates.

Join members of the cleft community for Cleft Con this July in Houston! Over the course of a jam-packed weekend, you’ll learn from some of the top experts in the field, make new friends, and hear real talk on the emotional, medical, and logistical issues our community knows so well from others who have been there. As the world’s largest cleft charity, Cleft Con is vital to Smile Train’s work of educating the public about clefts to reduce stigma, drive acceptance, and promote the inherent beauty of every face. Register today and join us in Houston! For more details, see the link below. Register for Cleft Con here: https://lnkd.in/eP7diY5e