Age group 0-4
Oona Ritcher, 3 years old
Beaumont, TX

Rainbow Bubbles and The Zoo – One of my biggest accomplishments with having my cleft repaired is blowing bubbles. I love the rainbows inside them. I also love animals and going to the zoo after my annual check ups. It’s right next to my doctors office.

Age group 5–9
Parker Maier, 6 years old
Sauk Rapids, MN

My Cleft Journey – My artwork is about my journey going to the hospital lots of times with my mom. I love Children’s Hospital and getting to see my doctor.

Age group 10-14
Olawale Oluwagbotemi, 14 years old
Nigeria, Africa

Hiding My Face – This is my short story about my care journey. When I was born, my mom was very sad. She felt shy of my face. Even though at my birth, some people said maybe they should eject me, that that’s what kind of child this is, but she disagreed.

Everything was not easy for her. She could not work or go to any occasion. She had to stay with me.

I have done three surgeries to repair my cleft with the help of Smile Train. When I started going to school, I knew that I did not look like other children. Some people point at me and make fun. Sometimes, I put on a face cap or sunshade to cover my face.

Since I joined Smile Train’s Sing and Smile Club, it has given me confidence and courage to face the world.

Age group 15–18
Lily Grace Li Surgoine, 17 years old
Gahanna, OH

Drifting Gazes – It was quick. No normal person would have even batted an eye. But I’ve lived with these gazes. I know what they are looking at as they trail down my face. A cleft lip seems to beg for attention as it’s out of the norm of any average face. Though we may be used to it, it still lingers in our minds.

A cleft lip (and palate) is a birth defect that causes an opening on the top lip all the way through the roof of the mouth. Each cleft lip ranges in shapes and sizes. Mine is called a unilateral cleft lip, which is an asymmetrical natural cut in the lip due to underdevelopment in the face. My surgery to have my lip repaired took place before I was even one year old. I consider myself to be among the lucky few who were able to have the procedure and to have such great results. I am extremely appreciative to all the doctors who took part in my procedure.

Though, when I was younger, I was embarrassed having the scar above my lip; how everyone would downcast their eyes towards it. Each time someone would ask, I’d come up with a random excuse because it was easier than to try to explain. I’d say, “I was born with it” or “I had an accident when I was younger”. The lengths of the gazes shortened overtime. You may still think you’re quick, but we all know where your gaze drifts first.

Age group over 18
Liisi Raud Westberg, SLP 67 years old
Stockholm, Sweden

Changing Faces – My 35 years of changing faces, make me deeply grateful. Meeting so many wonderful patients of all ages in many different countries has been a true favor, making a profound difference in my life-My cleft journey! Thank you!