Every day, 540 babies around the world are born with a cleft, a serious health condition with potentially life-threatening complications such as difficulty eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. I was born with a cleft palate and grew up thinking that I would not live a normal life because I was different from others. My surgery was delayed because I was always underweight or sick. My brother who was also born with a cleft, received surgery much earlier.

I was grateful to have finally received surgery when I was 16 years old. However, because my surgery was delayed, my speech was affected. I struggled but overcame many challenges until I graduated from college. I thought things would be better but people still mocked me. They told me I would not find a job if my speech did not improve.

Change happened when Smile Train came into the picture. Their support has allowed me to find the right path in my healing journey, allowing me to transform my life in ways I never imagined it would. Through time and hard work, I was able to stay on track in achieving my dreams. In sharing my story, it is my fervent hope that other families dealing with cleft issues will be inspired by my experience.

While I was very aware that being born with a cleft made me different, I was not prepared for the bullying and ridicule that followed. My classmates did not want me to be a part of their groups while my teachers gave me unwanted special treatment out of pity. The rejections and constant sympathy brought about emotional struggles that led me to build up walls to isolate myself from the people around. I continued to lose my confidence as I face different challenges everyday.

I cannot deny though that with the bad days, there were still good days to be grateful for as well. Despite struggling with the kids in school, I found comfort in the music team of our local church as a tambourine dancer and keyboardist. I slowly built my confidence and eventually found it in me to continue pursuing other passions. I found the time to balance my academics and other hobbies such as architectural drawings, and cooking. With grit and perseverance, I told myself that I would be able to overcome any challenge in my own unique way.

A proper support system was definitely a defining factor with regard to my healing journey. While the journey had to begin with myself, the push from my family and friends was undoubtedly of great help as well. My brother, born with a cleft lip and palate as well, was my partner in crime. Going through a similar journey allowed us to continually rely on each other through the years. We had each other’s backs against anyone who had something horrible to say about us. To top it off, we have our amazing family who was always present and consistent in showing their love and support for us. This allowed us to grow into stronger individuals.

At the start of the pandemic, I sat down and had the time to do some research. I found Smile Train and learned that they were offering free virtual speech therapy sessions for people like me. Even if I was working full time, I made an effort to comply with speech therapy sessions with Smile Train partner speech language pathologists. I insisted to have sessions almost everyday because I really wanted to improve. After a few days, people around me started noticing changes in the way I talk. It also helped me become more confident. After six months, the speech pathologist said that I am finished and that I can graduate from the program.

I am truly grateful as Smile Train helped transform my life and allowed me to achieve my dreams. They also continue to provide me with a sense of belonging and purpose, especially now that I have become a Smile Train volunteer. In supporting me through every endeavor, I can proudly say that their presence means so much to me. The pandemic did not even stop us from holding virtual meetings with other beneficiaries to share our different experiences in life and to continue encouraging each other of the possibilities life has to offer despite being born different. Smile Train has taught me to selflessly give my time and knowledge to continue empowering others in need.

Thanks to Smile Train and all those who have helped me, I have developed self-confidence and proper social skills. Who would have thought that I would be able to finish a master’s degree in Public Administration? I was able to develop a new mindset which has given me the courage to always strive for excellence despite being different. I do not settle for less or just getting by with the bare minimum as I know how so much has been done by so many for me to get to where I am right now. I learned how to give back without asking for anything in return, the way Smile Train always does. More importantly, I realized that I can be a source of inspiration to others who are in the midst of their own healing journeys.

To cleft patients like myself who think there is no future ahead of them, I enjoin you to believe in yourself. I was once in your shoes, and I know the difficulties that you face. You should not stop hoping. Strive hard because the first person who should believe that you can is yourself. Never limit yourself but rather choose to soar high. Be proud of what you have in life but continue to stay humble. The world may pull you down but have faith in yourself because it will eventually make you stronger. Keep the fire burning inside you.

We are all going through personal journeys wherein it is not in anyone’s place to discriminate and judge. We have it all within ourselves to continue spreading love and acceptance for everyone being their true, authentic selves. We must extend our understanding to those who may fail to see what is wrong from what is right by continuing the conversation on celebrating smiles and kindness.

When you feel overwhelmed, remember that Smile Train is always here every step of the way. We understand your challenges, and would be happy to walk with you in your healing.