Gentle Reader, As they say in radio, we've got to go to a commercial break now and then to pay the rent and keep the lights on. Since I'm not used to being a shameless promoter, I'll list some comments readers have used for Cleft Heart. They come in large part from Amazon review headings:“A Powerful and Moving Memoir”“Awesome book about overcoming obstacles”“Felt like I lived it”"Unless allowed a 6th star, I cannot recommend it more highly”“And ‘David slew his Goliaths.’ ”Artful rendition of … [Read more...]
A cleft lip, a prophet & perfection: an Easter story.
Here's an excerpt from a Harvard Magazine piece that covers many of my favorite blog topics: cleft lip, cleft palate, restorative medicine, patient care, and the role of doctors. Are they just healers or are they prophets? Are they sometimes heroes, villains, or fools? In the story told below, there's a transformation, almost a miraculous one.Transformation.To set the stage: the piece below is also about writing and storytelling—activities I've had to master, esp for the most … [Read more...]
Cleft lip repair breakthrough—Dr.Millard.
In an era when individuals and even families (the Kardashian entourage)) overuse cosmetic surgery—and in many cases with questionable, even disastrous results—it's important to remember the amazing things that reconstructive surgery (like cleft lip repair) can do. Both types of procedures are considered "plastic surgery."Plastic surgery to excess (check out the Kardashian crew): Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong: Cleft lip repair innovator.While I've blogged about face transplants and other … [Read more...]
Cleft lip girl not adopted time after time. Then, surprise!
Think you had it rough when you were passed over when kids chose players for sports? Imagine watching while other kids around you got chosen for adoption. An improbable, happy ending for cleft lip girl.Of course, if you live in an orphanage in Shenzhen, China just north of Hong Kong and you have a cleft lip and palate– you're used to difficulties. Among Sophie's challenges, difficulties in eating, drinking and especially talking. Still, fate finally smiled on the little girl when–miracle of … [Read more...]
Lookism’s #1 pageant to help cleft lip kids.
"Lookism" can surprise you. The current Miss Universe—and fellow "lookers" models Christie Brinkley and Kristen Taekman— are "ambassadors" for the cleft charity Smile Train. (Singer Jessica Simpson and models Vanessa Lachey and Molly Sims likewise beat the drum for Operation Smile).My favorite "looker" supporting clefts is Roma Downey, an Irish actress known for her nine seasons as Monica, the tender-hearted angel on the TV show Touched by an Angel. Ms. Downey is more than just a looker, she's … [Read more...]
Peyton Manning’s cleft palate: illustrated history.
Emily Pennington has told the inspiring story of Peyton Manning's struggle with his cleft palate. What's wonderful about her story is that she's created an illustrated presentation of it on Prezi. What follows is a transcript of her presentation that is designed for people who know very little about the stellar quarterback or the cleft palate birth defect. The presentation is here, and so share it online, project it to foster discussion in a school room or at a religious gathering, etc., etc. … [Read more...]
QB Manning’s cleft palate: wonders on & off the field.
Cleft palate as an impetus to greatness.Struggles due to a cleft palate may be the key to understanding QB Peyton Manning's wonders off the football field . . . and maybe even on the field. Manning faces a titanic battle next Sunday against QB Cam Newton and his Carolina Panthers in the 50th Super Bowl in San Francisco. Manning's amazing football accomplishments might stem from a drive to compensate for his birth defect and the consequent bullying he experienced when young.Football Facts … [Read more...]