Check out this web site!! www.survivorcharity.com

http://www.widesmiles.org/

Hey check out this website... it provides some good information and pictures!

I think it is so easy to loose our I dentity in the way we look. This is just another reminder that the way we look isn't who we are. Yes, it can shape us and when you go through something like have some sort of deformality it will affect you. The important thing is to never loose you identity in Christ. Our bodies are just a temporary thing when we are on this earth. My favorite C.S. Lewis quotation is "You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." Our body is just something we have but it isn't who we are.

Here is the number to Operation Smile if you would like to make a donation. 1-888-OPSMILE (888-677-6453)

Operation Smile is now in Jordan doing work for free for children with facial deformities . This was their seventh trip to Jordan. Since 2000 Operation Smile has operated on more than 700 patients in Jordan. They had a team of 30 medical professionals consisting of plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, a pediatrician, dentist, speech pathologist and others. All of the volunteers were from all over the world. Operation Smile continues to do excellent work and changing the lives of children. What an amazing gift for these children that would never have this opportunity otherwise.

Currently Operation Smile is working in Zhengzhou, China. There are 50 medical and non-medical volunteers currently there. This is their first time there and they are trying to provide free evaluations and surgery. As someone who was born with a cleft lip and palate I feel so blessed to be born where I was able to get wonderful correction surgery. What breaks my heart is that some kids out their were not given this same opportunity. What Operation Smile is doing is giving these children a chance. What an amazing blessing for them to not only recieve surgery but free of cost.

Here is some more helpful information about Cleft lip and Palate from http://www.entnet.org/KidsENT/Cleft.cfm

1. Cleft lip/palate refers to the condition when both the palate and lip are cleft. About one in 1,000 babies are born with cleft lip/palate.

About 50 percent of all clefts
More common in Asians and certain groups of American Indians
Occurs less frequently in African Americans
Up to 13 percent of cases present with other birth defects
Occurs more often in male children
2. Isolated cleft palate is the term used when a cleft occurs only in the palate. About one in 2,000 babies are born with this type of cleft (the incidence of submucous cleft palate, a type of isolated cleft palate, is one in 1,200).

About 30 percent of all clefts
All racial groups have similar risk
Occurs more often in female children
3. Isolated cleft lip refers to a cleft in the lip only accounting for 20 percent of all clefts.



What causes clefts?



No one knows exactly what causes clefts, but most believe they are caused by one or more of three main factors: an inherited characteristic (gene) from one or both parents, environment (poor early pregnancy health or exposure to toxins such as alcohol or cocaine), and genetic syndromes. A syndrome is an abnormality in genes on chromosomes that result in malformations or deformities that form a recognizable pattern. Cleft lip/palate is a part of more than 400 syndromes including Waardenburg, Pierre Robin, and Down syndromes. Approximately 30 percent of cleft deformities are associated with a syndrome, so a thorough medical evaluation and genetic counseling is recommended for cleft patients.



How is a cleft diagnosed?



Clefting of the lip and palate is usually visible during the baby’s first examination. One exception is a submucous cleft where the palate is cleft, but remains covered by smooth, unbroken lining of the mouth. A child with cleft lip or palate is often referred to a multidisciplinary team of experts for treatment. The team may include: an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), plastic surgeon, oral surgeon, speech pathologist, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, audiologist, geneticist, pediatrician, nutritionist, and psychologist/social worker.



How are clefts treated?



Treatment of clefts is highly individual, depending on the overall health of the child and the severity and location of the cleft(s). Multiple surgeries and long-term follow-up are often necessary. Because clefts can interfere with physical, language and psychological development, treatment is recommended as early as possible. Surgery to repair a cleft lip is usually done between 10 and 12 weeks of age. A cleft palate is repaired through a procedure called palatoplasy, which is done between nine and 18 months. Additional surgeries are often needed to achieve the best results. In addition to surgery, the child may receive follow-up care from members of the multidisciplinary team on issues of speech, hearing, growth, dental, and psychological development.



What are the complications of clefts?



The complications of cleft lip and cleft palate can vary greatly depending on the degree and location of the cleft. They can include all or some or all of the following:

Breathing: When the palate and jaw are malformed, breathing becomes difficult. Treatments include surgery and oral appliances.
Feeding: Problems with feeding are more common in cleft children. A nutritionist and speech therapist that specializes in swallowing may be helpful. Special feeding devices are also available.
Ear infections and hearing loss: Any malformation of the upper airway can affect the function of the Eustachian tube and increase the possibility of persistent fluid in the middle ear, which is a primary cause of repeat ear infections. Hearing loss can be a consequence of repeat ear infections and persistent middle ear fluid. Tubes can be inserted in the ear by an otolaryngologist to alleviate fluid build-up and restore hearing.
Speech and language delays: Normal development of the lips and palate are essential for a child to properly form sounds and speak clearly. Cleft surgery repairs these structures; speech therapy helps with language development.
Dental problems: Sometimes a cleft involves the gums and jaw, affecting the proper growth of teeth and alignment of the jaw. A pediatric dentist or orthodontist can assist with this problem.

My heart breaks when I read these stories about the kids in these countries that are unable to get medical support. They are called horrible names. I am so fortunate that I never had to go through that. I think it is so great that medical teams are getting to them and helping these kids but there are still so many kids out there in need. Please keep them in your prayers.

By donating $24 dollars a month you can change some child's life forever. For instance, there are many heart wrenching stories of children being shunned from their villages or even having their parents be afraid or embarrassed of them. The surgery to repair a child's cleft lip take only about 45 min. If you are interested in donating the site to do that is https://www.operationsmile.org/help/donate/.