This past July was Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month and I was so excited to be a part of the celebration at the CHOC Craniofacial department’s 2nd annual family event at the Santa Ana Zoo! The event brought together over 300 patients and family members! It was a great day for the kids and their parents to relax and have fun as well as an opportunity to make connections and find support.
Families enjoyed a picnic lunch provided by CHOC as well as carnival games, face-painting, 3-legged race and pie eating contest! However, the highlight for me was the talent show! Although every act was great, one in particular was absolutely amazing and inspirational. A beautiful 10 year old girl born with a cleft lip and palate stood up and sang with full confidence, Get Back Up Again by Anna Kendrick. When asked afterwards why she chose that song and what it meant to her, her simple message was no matter how many set backs you have in life and how many difficulties you may go through, you can get back up again!
At the event, Just a Smile was able to present a $1,000 check to the CHOC Craniofacial Department as a donation to help our local kids with cleft lip and palate and their families. We hope to be able to support the CHOC Craniofacial team and the many local families for many years to come!