Born with a unilateral cleft lip, I am truly grateful that I was able to have a successful operation to fix it at a young age. I am saddened by the fact that there are thousands of adults and children in underdeveloped countries that are born with the same issue but do not have access to proper medical care. I hope my work at Smile Train will help others to access the treatment I feel fortunate to have received. I am excited to be involved with an outstanding organization that can impact the lives of so many around the world.
A smile is the first thing we see in another person. Those, like myself, born with a cleft palate can feel disadvantaged in our first impressions to others. The power of a repaired smile gives us a sense of confidence that could otherwise not be achieved.
As a Young Leadership Circle (YLC) Board Member, I have decided to fundraise for Smile Train to help provide smiles to children in need. Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate.
Many children with clefts around the world live in isolation, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. Cleft surgery is a safe, permanent solution with an immediate impact. Smile Train’s sustainable model provides training, funding, and resources to empower local doctors in 70+ countries to provide these lifesaving surgeries and other essential cleft care 100%-free, in their own communities.
Smile Train's Young Leadership Circleis a group of professionals committed to furthering Smile Train’s mission by hosting fundraising events and educational programs throughout the year. Learn more at smiletrain.org/ylc
Thank you for supporting my Smile Train YLC fundraiser – together we can change the world one smile at a time!
https://www.mysmiletrain.org/campaign/jakelewit