Select the appropriate response

I was born with a cleft
I am the parent of a cleft affected child

Give us your advice on the emotions/feelings of the journey:

How/When did you tell others about the cleft diagnosis

What do you recommend to bring for surgery?

How do you prepare for surgery (physically, emotionally, mentally)?

Do you/your cleft child have other medical issues?

Advice on medical issues pertaining to the cleft (NAM, ear tubes, therapies, dental work, etc):

What have been some rude, funny, or positive comments regarding your or your child’s difference:

If you have had a rude, ignorant, or hurtful comment from a medical professional, please tell us about it.

Advice on how to reply to negative or positive comments regarding your or your child’s difference:

What do you wish others knew about you or your cleft affected child?

What has been the most rewarding part of your cleft journey?

What has been the most difficult part of this cleft journey?

What has got you through the tough times?

What do you think are some common questions about clefts or what people should know most about medical information regarding clefts?

Do you have any books, websites, blogs, organizations, groups or other resources you'd like to share?

Labels are placed on us all the time by friends, family, strangers, ourselves, etc.; they may be negative or positive. I encourage you to think about them and LET GO of the negative. You are an amazing person, no matter what others think. If you were to choose one positive ‘label’ about yourself, what would it be?? So, please finish this sentence, “I AM….”