A child born with a cleft palate or other craniofacial difference faces a tough road forward. Correcting the problem typically requires five to seven surgeries, as well as oral dental treatments for years to repair the condition. Add in the stigma that follows anyone who looks "different," and it is easy to see how hard life can be, both for the kids and the parents.
This is where Forever Smiles Foundation can make the journey easier. The non-profit, founded by surgeons Robert O. Weiss II, MD, DDS, and Patrick D. Christopher, MD, DDS, helps alleviate the financial and emotional burden for families undergoing this process. They not only see patients through their private practice, Kansas City Cleft & Craniofacial Center and at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, but they also travel to Tanzania, Africa to treat children.
"For the domestic arm of what we do, we allocate a certain percentage of funds to help kids either afford the surgeries, transportation, or the products necessary for their care, such as specialty bottle systems and formula," says Dr. Weiss II. "There are a lot of other aspects of care that have out-of-pocket expenses, such as tutorials or support for mom and dad. Often, it's challenging to maintain employment and provide for your kid. And the majority of kids will need some type of orthodontic intervention with braces, which are 99.9 percent not covered. So, the foundation was set up to be able to provide for that additional assistance."
The overseas mission of the foundation is vital to Dr. Christopher, who is from Africa and wants to give back to his homeland. He has made numerous trips overseas so far, both to places in Africa and Central America.
Unlike some medical charities that travel overseas, perform a procedure, and then leave, Forever Smiles has partnered with The Same Qualities Foundation to establish an infrastructure in Tanzania that enables ongoing healthcare continuity. A significant portion of their efforts involves training surgeons in the region, and then ultimately funding an entire clinic space to match the care they provide in the United States. This also enables them to follow up with their patients and work with the same team each time they are in the area.
"There is a huge need there. I feel very strongly that I can serve a population better by not spreading myself amongst 10 different countries but staying loyal to one and trying to have a true impact in the way care is delivered," Dr. Weiss II said.
When asked why this work is so important to him, Dr. Weiss II pointed out the considerable effect the children have on him.
"The majority of kiddos born with cleft lip and palate have no associated intellectual disabilities. They're very smart and live normal lives. But without having their clefts addressed, they have significant issues with feeding and speech, not to mention the social implications and hardships. There are not many kiddos like these, who have been through three, four, or five surgeries by the time they're seven or eight. These are very, very strong children, mentally, physically, and emotionally," he said.
Learn more about Forever Smiles Foundation and donate at foreversmiles-foundation.org.
Also, join the foundation for a night of elegance and philanthropy at their Formal Gala on Friday, October 10, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Union Station Grand Plaza. The evening includes a VIP cocktail hour, sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, and a fun after-party. Tickets are available on the foundation's website.