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ADDISON
Kalamazoo / DOB: Dec 06 / UCLP / Bronson Hospital
Addison is a patient of Dr.Nave. She was born with a severe unilateral cleft lip and palate. Her clefts were never detected through ultrasounds, so it was a surprise! She's been through three major surgeries and is on her second set of ear tubes. She's a real trooper with a beautiful smile! Tara, mom and MiCleft Volunteer
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ADDISYN
Comstock Park / DOB: March 11 / UCL, Coloboma
DeVos Childrens
Addisyn was born, to our surprise, with a cleft lip, that wasn't detected on ultrasound, and coloboma (cleft of the eye). Her right pupil is keyhole-shaped but as of now, her vision is not affected! She had her first surgery in June 2011 when she was only 2.5 months old; her next surgery will be before March 2012.
Julie, mom
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AIDEN
Wyandotte / DOB: Sept 05 / BCLP, Acid Reflux
Detroit Childrens
I was 18 wks pregnant when my ultrasound showed that Aiden would be born with a cleft. Months later, we found out the case was genetic. Aiden's lip was repaired at three mths of age and has been through two surgeries to repair his palate. Even though he has been through so much at such a young age, he always has a big smile (matching his beautiful brown eyes) on his face.
Mom to both Aiden and Ryan
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ANDREA
Spring Lake / DOB: Oct 86 / UCLP / Rex Hospital
My name is Andrea. I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I had the surgery to close my palate when I was 18 months and I had my nose surgery when I was 14. That was my last surgery and I am now attending college hoping to be a nurse someday. I am really grateful for talented surgeons because today most people cannot tell that I was born with clefts.
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ANDREW
Jacksonville / DOB: Oct 04 / SCP, Microtia, Cardiac, PRS
Wolfson Regional
I am the single mom of two beautiful children; a twelve year-old daughter and Andrew. He has several conditions in addition to the clefting. He has conquered multiple heart defects, TEF repair was a complete success and his G-tube was removed in 2007. He has microtia and is completely deaf in his left ear. He has speech issues due to his hearing impairment, and about a 3% grade on his submucous palate. Angela, mom
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ANTHONY
Auburn Hills / DOB: July 07 / ICL / Royal Oak Beaumont
We learned that Anthony would be born with a cleft during our 18wk US. At first it was a pretty scary diagnosis, but thankfully the wonderful resources on the web helped us to become educated and find support from other families, many of whom we still contact today. We did not discover the severity of his cleft until birth; gladly the defect was limited to ICL. Dr.Shaheen performed magic at three months and today people constantly comment that they would never imagine a cleft lip! I am happy to get email from anyone who would like to talk or ask about Dr.Shaheen. If you are a new parent facing the unknowns of the future of a child with clefts, please do not be scared! Mom to Anthony
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ASHLEY
Read my Spotlight Story!
Ann Arbor / DOB: Dec 85 / BCLP / St Joes Ypsilanti
MiCleft Outreach Specialist
We are the lucky parents of a beautiful young lady who is a senior in college, who will be submitting some of her own experiences soon. While some of the cleft related experiences have been difficult at times over the years, we have been lucky to have such a good medical team and the results have been great. D&J, Parent
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BABY E
Garden City / Due: Feb 2012 / Anticipating CLP / Hospital TBD
We found out at our 19 week ultrasound that our new bundle of joy will be born with a unilateral cleft palate and possibly a bilateral cleft lip (left side is complete, right side appears to have a cleft but baby's position made it difficult to image). I know we have a long journey ahead and I plan to update as we make our way through it. Tabby, expecting mom
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BEN
Hudsonville / DOB: July 05 / BCLP / Spectrum/DeVos Childrens
Ben is a patient of Dr.Mann. He has had two lip repairs, two palate repairs, four sets of ear tubes, and bilateral hernia repair. He is doing very well and has started talking up a storm. His strength and sense of humor has brought pure joy to his family. Nichole, mom
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BRANDON
Westland / DOB: Dec 03 / BCLP, PRS / Detroit Childrens
Brandon had his BCLP repaired at three months and ten months. He also had Pierre Robin Sequence, which was repaired with mandibular distraction at 1.5 weeks of age. He is currently in preschool and enrolled in their speech therapy program to improve his articulation. Amber, mom
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BRIELLE
Linden / DOB: Feb 07 / UCLP, ASD / University Hospital
Brielle was born with both cleft lip and palate. She had her lip repaired in June 2007 and underwent a palatoplasty in November 2007. She was also born with ASD (hole in the heart) which was closed in March 2008. Kristine, mom
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BRYCE
Almont / DOB: May 10 / BCLP, Reflux, Fine & Gross Motor Delay Detroit Childrens
The BCLP was not seen in the six ultrasounds we had done, so it was very much a surprise to us. Bryce had his lip repair and ear tubes at four months and palate repair at eleven months. He is currently on his second set of ear tubes and awaiting another repair to the palate in December 2011. Bryce is always a smiling happy face and lights up a room with his personality. We could not imagine him any other way and we are so thankful that this network has been there to answer our many questions and calm our fears. We look forward to do the same for others :) Mandy, mom
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BRYSON
Augusta / DOB: March 07 / ICL affected alveolar ridge
University Hospital
We did not know that Bryson would be born with a cleft lip until the day he was born. He has an older brother that was born perfectly healthy. No one in our family has a cleft lip, so our case was not genetic. Bryson had the Nam placed when he was two weeks old. He underwent surgery at four months old, and it is hopefully all he will need. Ashley, mom
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CADENCE
Seymour / DOB: Sept 10 / Tessier Cleft, IBCLP, optical challenges / Shneck Medical Center
The cleft was discovered the day she was born. She came into the world with a mild form of a tessier/facial cleft which resulted in her having an incomplete bilateral cleft lip and palate, as well as a small cleft in each eyelid. She does not have a tear duct in her right eye, and has an opacity of the left eye which will have to be repaired with a cornea transplant. So far in her 8 months of living she has had two surgeries, one to repair her eyelid, and the other to repair her cleft lip. The next is palatoplasty on July 8th. She is an extremely happy baby, and has truly brightened our lives. Other than the few minor cosmetic setbacks, she is a normal, happy and healthy little girl! Angela, mom
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CALEB
Tecumseh / DOB: Dec 10 / BCLP / UofM Dr. Edwards
MiCleft South Regional Specialist
Caleb was born at 36 weeks and 3 days, weighing only 4 lbs 13 oz. He spent 18 days in the NICU. His first surgery 06/2011 was to repair his lip. He was born with a slight hole towards the front of his palate. Feedings were a struggle at first, but he caught on fast. We are just taking things one day at a time!
Heather, mom
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CARMEN
Wyoming / DOB: Dec 06 / UCLP, PRS / DeVos Childrens
Carmen has Pierre Robin Sequence (recessed jaw and severe cleft palate). She is one of twin girls born in November 2006. She is thriving and doing very well. Lisa, mom
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CIARA
Columbia / DOB: Aug 95 / UCLP, Amniotic Band Syndrome
Ciara was born with cleft lip and palate caused by an amniotic band. She has undergone thirteen surgeries; fall of 2007 being most recent. Kayla, mom
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CLARE
Commerce Township / DOB: April 07 / ICL, lop ears
Royal Oak Beaumont
We found out that Clare would have a cleft at our 18 week US. She was born with a unilateral incomplete cleft lip. She is such a blessing to us, and brings us so much joy. Stephanie, mom
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DARREN
Washington / DOB: Feb 02 / UCL, BCP, EEC Syndrome, Coarcation of the Aorta, Adrenal gland Disorder and other issues. / Malcolm Grow Medical Center, andrews AFB MD
MiCleft Military Consultant
Darren is a fun loving, very personable little fella. Darren is doing so well, that he does not require speech therapy at this point in time. Feel free to ask any questions regarding military issues, or his P-flap surgery. It was well worth going through. Mom
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DOMINIC
Grand Rapids / DOB: Sept 07 / UCLP / DeVos Childrens
Dominic was born with a cleft lip and palate. We are so lucky that is all he was born with. He is a giggly little boy. He has only had one surgery so far. One more in July, another at 18 months, and then a break until the bone grafting phase. Courtney, mom
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DONAVIN
Dearborn Heights / DOB: Jan 01 / UCLP, Amniotic Band Syndrome with rt-elbow amputee / Detroit Childrens
Donavin had lip repair when he was only a week old. He is also an amputee; below his right elbow joint. The challenge before us, is for a reason so that we can inform people and give them support like it was given to us. No one is alone, we are all in this together. Cheryl, mom
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EMMANUEL
Detroit / DOB: Aug 07 / UCL, affected alveolar ridge, polydactyly thumbs / Detroit Childrens
Emmanuel has been through one surgery and one revision with at least one surgery for his thumbs coming up. But, at least all this medical attention he is getting has not changed his sweet disposition. Tasha, mom
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GALON
Northeast / DOB: Aug 10 / UCLP / Gillette Childrens
We found out about Galon having a cleft during a routine US. We were very shaken by the news at first but once we chose a cleft team and gathered facts and information, it was ok. He came perfectly and we were in love since the first time we laid eyes on him. There were different approaches to the repair for each doctor, and we decided to go with Dr.Lacey. His thought was that we should do the most amount of prep work pre-op for the best results. It took time and A LOT of driving, but was worth it. We did the taping and had a customized orthodontic piece for his mouth to bring the palate closer (also helped with feeding). This device was not a NAM, it held by poly-glue to his gum-line. His lip adhesion was Nov 2010 and repair was Jan 2011. His palatoplasty will be in July. Kelly, mom
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GAVIN
Clio / DOB: Sept 05 / BCLP, severe Tracheo Bronchial Malacia, ASD VSD, Dandy Walker Variant / UofM Mott Childrens
Gavin is doing great at home. He went in to have a feeding tube placed and a nissan fundoplacation and ended up having emergency tracheotomy with a vent to keep his air way open. He is such a tough little guy despite all the obstacles. Gavin is our little miracle baby. Robin, mom
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GRACE
Lansing / DOB: Sept 10 / ICP, other differences / Sparrow
The cleft palate was discovered after leaving the hospital. We had been struggling with her ability to suck in the hospital and even spent the afternoon with a lactation instructor. Gracie finally started to open her mouth a bit wider and I saw the large V-shaped hole in the roof of her mouth. It was confirmed the next day that Gracie had a cleft through her soft palate with its tip extending into the hard palate. She is the most laid back and happy child you could ever hope to meet. We look forward to her surgery in August 2011. Kristine, mom
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HAILEY
Covington / DOB: July 06 / BCLP / Cincinnati Childrens
This is my baby girl, Hailey! She was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and her pre-maxilla comes out of her mouth. Here is a photo after her first surgery, the second was in December 2006. Rae, mom
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HANNAH
Dearborn / DOB: July 01 / BCLP / Detroit Childrens
We found out early in pregnancy that Hannah would have clefts. She had her first surgery at four months, which included ear tubes, lip repair and rhinoplasty. She's went thru five surgeries thus far. Some minor complications have come about recently - otherwise she is doing awesome! She's attended ST since she was two and is as understood as other children her age. We still are on a continuous schedule of doc visits, mostly related to dental; as she continues to grow and develop. Candy, mom
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HEATHER
Grandville / DOB: Dec 79 / UCLP, / Spectrum, CFI Providence Southfield
Heather was born with a cleft lip and palate in December 1979. She has undergone nine surgeries and now strives to be a source of encouragement and support to others touched with a cleft lip and palate!
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ISABELLA
Mason / DOB: Nov 10 / SCP / UofM Mott Childrens
MiCleft Co-Secretary
Isabella is really a miracle. After three years of TTC we finally got pregnant with IVF. She was diagnosed with the cleft palate during her initial birth assessment. She has already had two surgeries. She had an inguinal hernia removed, and ear tube placement. She has been a trooper through it all. She is such a happy, good girl. We go back in August for a re-evaluation on when she will get her palatoplasty. Crystal, mom
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ISAIAH
Dryden / DOB: Dec 08 / BCL, Hip dysplasia / DMC Childrens
Vice President of MiCleft & Lead Specialist
Isaiah is our 2nd son and a blessing from above; we thought we were not going to have more children. We learned that he would be born with a cleft at 28wks. It was a shock but we knew we could handle anything thrown our way. He fortunately only had bilateral cleft lip. Another blessing is since his cleft was not severe, he had muscle control throughout his upper lip and did not have to use specialized bottles or formula. The only hiccup along the way was when he was 18 months old he had issues with a gag reflex and had to have some intervention with an OT. To this day he eats everything and anything. Most days he cannot eat enough lol. Heather, mom
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JACOB
Toronto / DOB: July 06 / UCLP / Hospital For Sick Children
Jacob is a twin to his brother Ethan. He alone was born with a UCLP. We were shocked when it was detected on my 18wk US. I found out that I was would have twins and that one would have a cleft - in the same week! Through the miracle of modern medicine and the amazing skill of Dr.Fisher of Sick Kids in Toronto, Jacob's cleft is barely detectable! We are going into our third set of tubes, speech therapy and a few more surgeries, but it seems minor compared to other issues that we could have had! I admit, even after four years, I miss that gummy smile! Jennifer, mom
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JAKOB
Kentwood / DOB: June 07 / UCLP / DeVos Childrens
Jakob Stanley was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. He has had one surgery; an initial lip adhesion. His next surgery is March 4th 2008, to close his palate. Amy, mom
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JAMES
Monroe / DOB: May 02 / UCLP / Detroit Childrens
My son was adopted in June of '05 from Xinxiang Henan China. James may get braces this year, but we don't anticipate any surgeries. He's doing great in school and recently started playing soccer. Julie, mom and MiCleft Volunteer
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JAYDEN
Naples / DOB: Oct 05 / BCLP
Here is a picture of me and my sweet little angel! Jodi, mom
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JENNIFER
Dearborn / DOB: July 87 / UCLP / UofM Mott Childrens
I was born with a cleft lip and palate in July 1987. Since then I've undergone 27 surgeries, and I keep coming back for more!
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JESSE
Read my Spotlight Story!
Bolingbrook / DOB: March 10 / UCLP / Childrens Facial Center
Jesse is a patient of Dr.Semba. He's had two surgeries thus far. The first repaired his nose and lip when he was three months old. The second was to repair his soft palate when he was ten months old. He got ear tubes during both surgeries. His clefts went undetected through US so his clefts were a surprise. He's a very happy 14 month-old with a lot of personality! Megan, mom
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JOHNNY
Read my Spotlight Story!
Dearborn Heights / DOB: Nov 04 / UCLP, SOD, Hx MRSA, ADHD/Aspergers / Detroit Childrens / CEO and Founder of MiCleft
We were unaware of differences until birth, and life hasn't been the same since. He's a survivor of MRSA (2.5 yrs of monthly outbreaks), has had 12+ procedures, and has overcome numerous medical obstacles. This wild boy towers his peers, he doesn't take guff from anyone, but his charisma and smile captures everyone's heart. Teresa, mom
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JUDY
Lake Ann / DOB: Sept 07 / UCLP / Munson Medical Center
Judy is a very busy 4 year old. She just started pre-school this fall and her teacher Ms. Joe says she is doing great! Judy also takes ballet lessons every Monday because she loves to dance. Judy has had a total of 6 surgeries including her lip repair in January 2008, soft palate repair in January 2009, hard palate repair June 2010, and 3 ear tube surgeries along with the removal of her adenoids. She has also completed 9 months of speech therapy and has not stopped talking since. She is really looking forward to the winter months ahead and will be seeing Dr. Doerr in the spring for a check up and possible plans for the future. Stephanie, mom
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JUSTIN
Warren / DOB: May 05 / SCP, PRS / Detroit Childrens
Justin was diagnosed with a soft cleft palate and Pierre Robin. All of which the high risk pregnancy doctor didn't detect. He has undergone palatoplasty, tubes in his ears, and distractors in and out. He is a happy baby boy that is into everything. He fought hard to be here today and I'm enjoying every minute of being with him! Melissa, mom
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KAI
Mason / DOB: July 07 / BCLP, Ectodermal Dysplasia (Hay Wells), ankyloblepharon of the eyelids / Sparrow, UofM Mott Childrens
Kai (and my husband) were both born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. We knew Kai would have a cleft at our 18 week ultrasound. What we did not know was that he had skin tags holding his eyelids partially closed when he was born. He has had them removed, has undergone lip adhesion and is recovering from lip repair. Fran, mom
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KEIRA
Temperance / DOB: July 04 / UCLP / Detroit Childrens
Keira was born in China, and is our fifth child. She's brought us such joy and is a burst of personality. She loves to sing, yell at the dogs and is always on the go. We're so happy Keira has joined our family! Laura, mom
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KELLEN
Clinton Township / DOB: April 08 / BCLP / Royal Oak Beaumont
My third son Kellen was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate. He was born at 34 weeks and weighed 4 pounds 12 ounces. He had his lip repaired at five months and his palate repaired at seven months. He is an amazing and beautiful little boy! Lisa, mom and MiCleft Volunteer
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KIERAN
Harrison Township / DOB: March 99 / SCP, Apert Syndrome, Complex-Partial Seizure Disorder, ADD, Reflux, bilateral hearing loss / CFI Providence Southfield, CFI Providence Park
MiCleft Secretary
Kieran had a submucous cleft palate w/bifid uvula. It was repaired by Dr. Jackson at Providence Hospital, one of his 20+ procedures. Sherry, mom
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KIM
Read my Spotlight Story!
Ruth / DOB: Sept 96 / UCP, PRS, Amniotic Band Syndrome
Detroit Childrens
Kim is our little package of dynamite! Her zest for life is contagious and she touches all she comes in contact with. Kim became a member of our family, after spending time in foster care, in her birth-state of Texas. She has 14 siblings, (nine are special children) and enjoys the animals on our family farm; even ponies! She's had many procedures, but nothing stops her. Feel free to contact me, I love to help other families! Sue, mom
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KRISTI
Read my Spotlight Story!
Blue Springs / DOB: June 64 / Arhinia / Various Hospitals
I was born with a rare facial anomaly called arhinia, which is the total absence of the external nose. Due to arhinia, I was born with a midline cleft lip and palate and brain, eye, and ear anomalies. I went to public school, and graduated in 1983. I attended the University of Kansas. After college, I worked at a non-profit organization as a direct service provider and then later at a life insurance company as an underwriting assistant. My interests include reading, computers, weather, and photography. I also enjoy networking with others dealing with facial differences. Kristi
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KYLE
Read my Spotlight Story!
Oscoda / DOB: March 87 / UCLP / MiCleft North Regional Specialist
Kyle is enjoying life and attending Ferris State University! Jeanne, mom
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KYLIE
Grand Blanc / DOB: Jan 11 / Tessier Cleft / UofM Mott Childrens
Kylie is truly one of a kind! She was born with a Tessier Cleft. Going into the birth, we knew she had a cleft lip. What we did not know was that the cleft actually extended up through the left side of her nose, up to her left eye. She is also missing the tear duct to the left eye. Luckily, her palate was not affected. She has had one surgery in April'11 and there will be more in the near future. Candace, mom
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(LISA) MICHELLE
Read my Spotlight Story!
Montrose / DOB: Jan 86 / BCLP, Tessier Cleft / BG Wake Forest University Hospital
I've had 63 reconstructive operations, and am looking at having at least one more. Please be sure to read my Featured Spotlight Story, and visit my blog at the MiCleft website! Michelle
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MADDIE
Ann Arbor / DOB: March 07 / PRS, CP / UofM Childrens
Up until delivery we had no reason to suspect anything, but to our surpirse, Maddie was born with PRS which means a small lower jaw and tongue, and cleft palate. She was trached at 2 days old and had her first jaw distraction and g-tube placed at 5 weeks old. The trach and distraction were removed at 3.5 mths and g-tube at 10 mths. She had ear tubes and palatoplasty at 18 mths. She is currently undergoing her 2nd jaw distraction and had a trach put back in. Despite all she has been through, I am happy to report that she is an active, happy, talkative 4 year old who appears to be unphased by all she has been through! Megan, mom
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MARALI
Pinckney / DOB: Aug 10 / BCP, PRS, Micrognathia / UofM Dr. Edwards
I'm a single mom to two wonderful kids. A nine year son, and my now 13 month daughter. My ultrasounds did not indicate her BCP, however she was followed closely due to her micrognathia. She has already gone through ear tube placement, a jaw distraction and palate repair. She has had many issues with feeding and has required NG feeds for the first year of her life. She is a very happy, playful baby, who still smiles after all she has been through. Ginger, mom
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MARCO
Huron / DOB: June 07 / UCLP / Detroit Childrens
Marco and twin Dominic (no cleft), joined big sister McKena in June. We were very surprised about the twins, but more surprised that one would have a cleft like McKena. Having no history in our family, we were shocked, but were quick to remind ourselves how lucky we were to have three beautiful children! Marco has been as amazing as his sister and has taught us that each cleft is different. We have stayed with a team we feel is the best - DMC.
Becki, mom to both Marco and McKena
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MARCUS
Eugene / DOB: Jan 07 / UCLP / Sacred Heart Hospital
Marcus would love to share his story, he has had an exciting life so far. We found out about the clefts during the fifth month of pregnancy. He had lip surgery in April and a palatoplasty in December 07. We used the Pigeon nipple succesfully. We taped his lip before surgery, which was work, but the results were worth it. He wore nose stints for three weeks, then we applied silicone sheeting with tape, to help healing. Looking over these pages has been real helpful to us. Cori, mom
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MARCY
Read my Spotlight Story!
Howard City / DOB: June 04 / BCLP / DeVos Childrens
Marcy was a surpise, as was her twin sister Marie. We found out about Marcy's cleft at our four month ultrasound and we knew it was possible - we have a 50/50 chance of clefts, as our situation is genetic. She's always been full of smiles, but now she's smiling brighter than ever - we had our fifth child in 2007! (Check out Rachel's 3D pic!) Crystal, mom to both Marcy and Rachel
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McKENA
Huron / DOB: April 03 / BCLP / Detroit Childrens
McKena is a beautiful little girl with a wonderful smile! She has been a trooper through all her surgeries, which to date, is six procedures before the age of five. We truly feel that the key to her great nose is the fact that she has continued to wear the stints at night. Becki, mom to both McKena and Marco
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NATALIA
Huntington Woods / DOB: Aug 90 / BCLP, Trisomy 13
Memorial Hospital
Natalia was born with Full Trisomy 13; what they term as a "not compatible with life" diagnosis. She's amazed all the physician's who care for her. She is very much alive, and thriving... ThereseAnn, mom
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NATHAN
Downriver / DOB: Dec 09 / CP, Treacher Collin's Syndrome
Detroit Childrens
Nathan is our little peanut and powerhouse! He was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome which includes a cleft palate, underdeveloped ears, no ear canals, small jaw, and no cheekbones. He had his palate fixed at 8 months old, and had a jaw distraction at 11 days old. He has a long road ahead of him, but he is such a strong boy, I know he is up for the challenges. Liz, mom
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OSCAR
Read my Spotlight Story!
Ferndale / DOB: Aug 05 / UCLP / Detroit Childrens
CFI Providence Southfield, CFI Providence Park
We adopted our son in July 2007 from China. We are thrilled to have him home! His lip repair was performed in China in 2006 and his palatoplasty was performed at DMC in October 2007. Melissa, mom
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PAYTON
Ishpeming / DOB: Feb 06 / ICL, affecting alveolar ridge
Marquette General / MiCleft Upper Peninsula Regional Specialist
Payton was born with a Unilateral Cleft Lip/Alveolar Ridge. My husband and I had no idea until she was born that she would have a cleft. She had her first lip repair surgery when she was 3 months old, and a second one when she was two. We're not sure yet if she'll need anymore surgeries. We're anticipating a bone graft sometime in the future. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! Linda, mom
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RACHEL
Howard City / DOB: April 07 / BCLP / DeVos Childrens
Rachel is our second cleft-affected daughter, our fifth child, and happy bundle of joy. She recently had a palatoplasty, but it hasn't stopped her from cruising all over the house! Crystal, mom to both Rachel and Marcy
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REID
Read my Spotlight Story!
Orrville / DOB: Nov 07 / BCLP / Rainbow Babies Hospital Cleveland
Reid was born in November 2007 with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. He is currently using the NAM device to get his premaxilla in line for his upcoming surgery in May 2008. He is our joy and blessing. Janeen, mom
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ROCHELLE
Richmond / DOB: Nov 99 / BCL, Hemifacial Microsomia Goldenhar Syndrome / UofM Mott Childrens
Rochelle had lip repair at 10 months, first major jaw surgery, in 2007; rib graft to her left side of her face. She suffered complications, but has healed well and we're optimistic that her body's accepted the bone and nothing's wasted. She is the cutest, bravest little girl. When I have a bad day, I remember she's up and on the school bus with little complaint. She has made me a better person. Since her surgery, her maturity level and self confidence has soared. Lisa, mom
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ROLAND
Harrison Township / DOB: April 06 / UCL, BCP, Goldenhar Syndrome, PRS, unilateral hearing loss / Detroit Childrens
Roland was Twin A of fraternal boys, born at 39 weeks healthy and strong. No one knew that Roland had the anomalies he did until birth. The initial shock was his cleft but within three weeks (and an emergency transfer to DMC and sleep study) we discovered he'd need distractors. Soon he was diagnosed with bilateral Goldenhar Syndrome with presentation of Pierre Robin. He's had 9 surgeries thus far. Roland goes to school for his unilateral hearing impairment and rides the bus with Kieran! Alicia, mom
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RYAN
Wyandotte / DOB: Aug 01 / SCP, bifid uvula, speech delay
Detroit Childrens
When Ryan turned four years old, we found out his little brother, Aiden, would be born with a cleft lip. Little did we know, Ryan also had a cleft. After reviewing Ryan's history of hearing and speech with his surgeon, it all made sense. Ryan had his first surgery and I can't wait to see the difference in his speech. He has come so far from his only word being...uh. Mom to both Ryan and Aiden
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RYLIE
Archbald / DOB: Dec 05 / BCLP
I found out about Rylie's cleft during a "routine" ultrasound. It was the third attempt of my 18 week ultrasound because Rylie enjoyed driving us crazy, even then. Her lip was repaired 3.21.06 and 5.16.06. It was done twice because the repair got infected the first time around. Her palate was repaired 9.12.06. We are going to her next cleft clinic this April, so we will see then what is next.
Anita, mom
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SAYDEE
Montrose / DOB: Feb 94 / Crouzons / UofM Mott Childrens
I was born with Crouzons Syndrome. I was brought up in a supportive family as well as a supportive community. I've went to public school all my life except one year due to wearing the RED system. The kids at my school are very supportive of kind toward me and my condition. I will be graduating in 2012 as a honor student and then heading to college. I have been able to go to the Senate of Michigan and have February acknowledged as Craniofacial Awareness Month; which has awarded me the Patient Of Courage Award given by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons! Saydee
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STEVEN
Royal Oak / DOB: May 06 / UCLP / Royal Oak Beaumont
Steven was born with a unilateral cleft lip & palate - we were fortunate to find out during a routine ultrasound so that we could prepare for everything. He had a Latham device for six weeks (Dr. Spolyar), lip repair & bone graft at five months (Dr. Robert Forte) and palatoplasty at eight months (Dr. Robert Forte). His teeth & speech development are coming along nicely...and he looks fabulous! Christine, mom
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TAKAI
Southern CA / DOB: March 05 / BCLP / Kaiser West
Takai and twin sister came five weeks premature via C-section. We knew one of them would have a cleft but did not know their sex. When we saw him, his face lit up our whole world. The first seconds and thought "this is bad" but it suddenly went away and I only saw was his beauty, spirit, life, and joy he brought. I knew this superficial stuff would be fixed and that we would all be okay, pulling together as his middle name means "STRONG." I know Takai was given to us for bigger reasons than no one could understand. Takai has helped me love, accept and appreciate my beauty for the first time in my life. I am proud of my cleft. How could I be ashamed anymore? He and his sister are my world. They are everything beautiful in this world and I was beautiful in every way. Thank you for all my gifts Keona, Nohea, and Takai, and showing me what true love is all about! Angeena, mom
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THAI
Holt / DOB: Feb 07 / UCLP / Sparrow
I was informed at 17 weeks pregnant that Thai would be born with a cleft, but they wouldn't know the extent of it. He has always been a happy go lucky person. I wouldn't change anything about him. He is my blessing! Maria, mom
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TYLER
Monroe / DOB: Oct 02 / UCLP / St John Health, Dr.Forte
Tyler had three surgeries prior to eight months and two ear tube reinsetions. When he was 11 months, he suffered an electrical burn to the corner of his mouth, and had corrective surgery in Summer 2009. Kids usually don't ask about his cleft scar, but about his corner of his mouth. He is an energetic outgoing six year old, his teacher even says he is not a follower but a leader. He is a wonderful big brother to his brother Cameron. Tonia, mom
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TYLER
Ida / DOB: March 11 / BCLP / UofM Mott Childrens
Tyler joined his two sisters in 2011. He was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate with a premaxilla. We are heading into his first lip surgery in july 2011. Jayne, mom
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VINCENT
Sault Ste Marie / DOB: June 08 / ICL / UofM Mott Childrens
We didn't know that Vincent would be born with a cleft. He underwent surgery at three months and hasn't had a problem since. He is the most animated and crazy toddler you will ever meet...so much fun! Amber, mom
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