PRESS RELEASE:

Date: 30/12/2013

Contact: 
Julie Cwir
iwishidknown@hotmail.com

The first of its kind: An inspiring and educational look into the life of cleft affected children


Julie Cwir has compiled an outstanding collection of stories about cleft children and their journey. Follow along with parents and children as they face health problems, emotional stress, and discrimination all with genuine love and resilience.

Souris, Manitoba – I Wish I’d Known… How Much I’d Love You is more than a book. It is a community; a community of those affected by the cleft birth defect. Over 80 stories have been submitted from across the globe: the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. These parents share their heart, bring encouragement to others in a similar situation, and give a glimpse into the often unseen life of a child born with a cleft. 

In his foreword for the book, Dr. Andrew Ordon, MD, FACS writes, “Our children and our patients come first. What better way to enter the world of all those who deal with cleft lip and palate, than through the remarkable and enlightening stories that Julie Cwir has so masterfully collected.” This book is not only packed with uplifting cleft stories, but provides photos of the children's transformations, will answer your questions about clefts, provide parents with tips and encouragement for their own child's cleft journey, show you where to find supplementary cleft resources, and much, much more! No matter your background or experience in the cleft condition, you will be blown away by I Wish I'd Known... How Much I'd Love You.

Cwir and these fellow parents bring encouragement and education to new parents of cleft affected children, provide cleft specialists and family medical doctors with information and resources, and educate the everyday person in what parents of cleft children endure. “In 1970, when my son was born, there was so little information, and what was known was full of bias and superstition. [This] book is going to change that and help familiarize even non-affected people with a knowledge of the cleft journey” Jo-Anne Osika King, one of the many story writers.

I Wish I’d Known… How Much I’d Love You has been on its own journey as well. Self-published by Cwir, this book took over a year to complete and has had its own trials to overcome. Similar to the children’s stories in this book, it started out beautiful, faced challenges, and has come out a masterpiece. Cwir’s book can be ordered online. Find links through the website www.iwishidknown.yolasite.com You can follow Cwir on Twitter @Cleftbook or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/iwishidknown)