Hello everyone! I'm Nishchala, and I am a proud cleft warrior. My life's journey has been a rollercoaster ride of challenges, surgeries, and transformations. I was born with a cleft lip, and for 17 years, I went through numerous surgeries, treatments, and procedures to reach where I am today.
I was fortunate to receive unconditional love and support from my family, and I had a great childhood filled with fond memories. However, my school years were not as kind. I faced bullying for looking different, and it took a toll on my self-esteem. I vividly remember eating alone during lunch breaks and feeling afraid to approach people to make friends. The impact of judgment and the physical struggles after surgeries made me question my own confidence.
But life has a way of bringing hope when we need it most. Towards the end of 2018, I was blessed to meet the best group of people in my life. They taught me to see the beauty within myself and helped me embrace my uniqueness. Slowly but surely, with the love and encouragement from my family and friends, I began rebuilding my confidence and self-esteem.
This transformative journey has inspired me to launch a campaign focused on building resilience among young cleft warriors like myself. Through this campaign, I aim to raise awareness and empower others to face their challenges with strength, focusing on improving mental health and fostering self-confidence.
In pursuit of this mission, I am delighted to have joined Smile Train's Young Leadership Circle Board and fundraise for their noble cause. Smile Train is an international children's charity that provides life-changing cleft care to children in need. Their sustainable model empowers local doctors in over 70 countries, offering free surgeries and comprehensive care, enabling children to eat, breathe, hear, and speak without limitations.
I invite you all to support my fundraiser with Smile Train, as we together build a 'Confidently Cleft' community. Let's change the world one smile at a time, one life at a time. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful impact in the lives of cleft-affected children, just like me.
Thank you for joining me on this remarkable journey of transformation and empowerment. Your support means the world to me and to the countless young cleft warriors we will uplift together. Together, let's create a world where every child can smile with confidence, regardless of their differences.
https://www.mysmiletrain.org/campaign/-Confidently-Cleft