Michigan Cleft Network Where having facial differences make you special.

I've lived all 41 years in Michigan so I, like most other Michigan residents, love summer months and gladly accept mornings that don't include use of snow shovels and/or walking around in multiple layers of clothing. However, if I had to choose a favorite season I'd have to say Fall. I've always enjoyed those things associated with Autumn; color changes of leaves, the brisk air, idea and vision of all children dressing the part for Halloween, and snuggling-up on the couch with my boys and husband.

This 2011 year, I plan to encompass new memories of the season because MiCleft will hold its first scheduled Bowl For Smiles in the Fall (verses holding it once annually in February). I'm excited about seeing many familiar smiles, and meeting others for the first time! When creating the network, I was surrounded by feelings of isolation and worry. Who could possibly understand what I as a mother, as a strong-willed woman feeling completely helpless, was going through? Who could I turn to that would just wrap their arms around me and tell me that everything would be okay? 

Bowl For Smiles is about so much more than unlimited bowling, video gaming, and eating good food. It's about members of MiCleft, friends and family, coming together to not only support each other - it's about raising awareness of our children's conditions and educating the general population so that in the event that 'they' should find themselves in a similar situation, or one of their loved ones do - they'll know they're not alone. They'll know that there's a whole community of people that are here to guide them toward being the best advocates they can be, and a large group of children that will forever accept each other for who they are - absolutely beautiful!

Again, I am so excited about the event and hope that you and yours will be among the smiles! If you haven't registered/paid for your spot, please do so by October 1st. Don't hesitate to share my contact info with others, I want to see a great crowd and hope that you do too!

Join us on Saturday, October 15 for a fun-filled day of friendship, but most important, attend and know that you're doing your part in promoting public awareness of facial differences --- we cannot change or educate the public overnight, but we CAN do it ONE SMILE AT A TIME!

Bowl For Smiles: http://www.micleft.com/bowl-for-smiles.htm