KISSIMMEE, Fla. — July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Prevention Month, and Melissa Torres — who was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate, a birth defect affecting her mouth, nose, and ears — is trying to raise awareness.
“… I am hoping that my story will reach out to somebody that has bilateral cleft palate and doesn’t know where to turn to … ” Torres said. “Because you don’t live a normal life when you have bilateral cleft palate.”
Here are five things to know about cleft lip and palate:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cleft lip and cleft palate happens when a baby’s lip or mouth don't form properly during pregnancy.
- The CDC estimates that, each year in the U.S., about 2,650 babies are born with a cleft palate, and 4,440 babies are born with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate.
- The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association says the causes aren't always known, although some cases are linked to genetics and environmental factors.
- ACPA says clefts are one of the most common types of birth defects in the U.S. and globally, occurring in about 1 in 700 births overall.
- Funding through the Children’s Special Health Services stops between 18 and 21 years of age depending upon the regulations of each state.
Melissa still needs a number of surgeries, but she hopes her story will help empower other individuals embrace their differences. Melissa's hopeful for the following procedures:
- Jaw alignment
- Bone graft for upper jaw
- Palate fixed (roof of the mouth)
- Nasal cavity repaired
- Dental implants
- Braces for lower teeth
To help, check out her fundraiser. To learn more about Melissa’s story, watch the video above.
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