Smile Train

06/01/2026

When Jeremy was born with a cleft, his family faced uncertainty and a long journey to find the care he needed. Traveling six hours for treatment, they never gave up on helping him receive the support he deserved.

Through Smile Train’s local partner, Jeremy received comprehensive cleft care, including nutrition support, early stimulation, surgery, and ongoing care from a dedicated team.

Today, Jeremy’s story is a reminder that every child deserves access to safe, quality cleft care close to home. 💙

06/01/2026

This , I’m celebrating the incredible journey of parenthood, and the strength it takes to support a child through every step.
 
Traveling to Haiti with Sailor and seeing the life-changing work of Smile Train firsthand was something I’ll never forget. As a parent, you want nothing more than to see your child healthy, confident, and smiling, and I’ve seen just how powerful access to cleft care can be in making that possible.
 
To all the parents out there walking their own journeys: your love, dedication, and advocacy matter more than words can say.

05/29/2026

Smile Train programs are active in 75+ countries around the world.

From Latin America to Africa to Asia, our local partner surgeons and care teams are helping children access safe, high-quality cleft treatment close to home.

Together, we’re building a world where every child has the chance to smile. 💙

05/28/2026

Good nutrition helps children grow strong and learn.

On World Nutrition Day, chef and advocate Lidia Bastianich shares why access to proper nourishment is essential for every child and how cleft can make feeding more challenging without timely specialized care.

For children born with cleft, something as fundamental as eating can become difficult, making early nutritional support and comprehensive cleft care critical for healthy development.

Because every child deserves the chance to be nourished and reach their full potential.

05/27/2026

What started as a deeply personal journey for artist and trauma coach Katie Manning has become the powerful 100 Cleft Portraits Project — helping rehumanize how cleft is seen and understood through art and storytelling.

This recent feature shares more about the inspiration behind the movement and the impact it continues to have on the cleft community.

Read more via the link and don't forget to join us on tour. https://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/26107277.witney-mum-creates-100-paintings-daughter/

American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association - ACPA

An Oxfordshire mother has created more than 100 portraits of people born with cleft lip or palate.

05/27/2026

Meet Pawa from India🇮🇳

He was born with a cleft, and his family had no prior awareness of clefts or prenatal screening, so his diagnosis at birth came as a surprise. With guidance from hospital staff, they learned that clefts are treatable and began to feel reassured.

Through the same hospital, they were connected to Smile Train, giving them access to free, safe surgery and ongoing support. What once felt overwhelming soon became a journey filled with hope.

After surgery, Meet’s life began to change quickly. His smile, confidence, and personality grew, and his challenges with feeding, breathing, and speech improved. He is still continuing his cleft care journey, but the difference so far has been life-changing.

Meet is now in school and dreams of becoming a cricketer. His family is deeply grateful for the care he received and encourages other families to seek treatment through Smile Train.

05/26/2026

We are so proud to partner with organisations that share our vision for sustainable care! 💙

The Rotary Club of Holyhead deeply values Smile Train’s vision of providing sustainable cleft care and empowering local medical professionals.

Earlier this year, they brought their community together for a joyful duck race to support Smile Train. Families cheered along the banks, raising both funds and awareness for children with clefts.

Events like this remind us that even simple moments of fun can make a big difference helping local medical teams provide life-changing, sustainable cleft care.

Because every smile starts with a community that cares.

Clwb Rotari Caergybi - Holyhead Rotary Club

05/26/2026

Iva and Isaac Ballou share their sibling story and perspectives as Iva is cleft affected and Isaac shares what it means to grow up alongside her.

Their conversation is honest, thoughtful, and a reminder of how family shapes every cleft journey.

Join us at Cleft Con and register through the link here: https://www.smiletrain.org/cleftcon/phoenix

05/26/2026

Because of generous donors like you, Waheeda from Pakistan got a second chance at childhood.

Born with a cleft in a remote village, Waheeda faced daily struggles from the very beginning. Feeding took hours; stigma followed her as she grew, and her family had no access to affordable care. Still, her parents held faith and hope.

At eight years old, your support helped change everything. After traveling overnight to a Smile Train partner hospital, Waheeda met other children like her and received free cleft surgery and comprehensive care, made possible by the generosity of Smile Train’s partnership with Haleon.

Today, Waheeda can eat, speak, play, and smile with confidence. Her journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when donors, local medical teams, and committed partners come together to change a child’s future.

See the full story here: https://www.smiletrain.org/blog/smile-changed-everything-haleon-and-smile-train-action

05/25/2026

What does innovation look like when you’re shaping the next generation of surgeons?

For Cristiano Tonello, craniofacial surgeon and director at HRAC/USP Bauru, it means passing on skills, knowledge, and compassion so more children can access the safe, life-changing surgery they deserve.

Hear how training and mentorship today are helping build brighter futures for patients tomorrow.