Smile Train Launches World Cleft Awareness Day to Unite Global Cleft Community
NEW YORK, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smile Train, the world's largest cleft-focused organization, announces the launch of World Cleft Awareness Day, the first officially recognized global day on the calendar dedicated to raising awareness about cleft lips and palates. The inaugural observance is taking place today, Sunday, July 20, 2025, aligning with National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month.
World Cleft Awareness Day shines a spotlight on the entire cleft journey—from diagnosis at birth or before, through surgeries, speech therapy, orthodontia and dental care, emotional support and beyond. The goal is to increase understanding, reduce stigma, foster inclusion and amplify the voices of the millions of people around the world affected by clefts.
'World Cleft Awareness Day is about more than raising awareness—it's about celebrating the strength and resilience of the global cleft community,' said Susannah Schaefer, President & CEO of Smile Train. 'By founding and leading this observance, Smile Train is creating space for cleft-affected individuals and their families to be seen, heard and supported.'
Worldwide, approximately 1 in 700 babies is born with a cleft lip and/or palate. While clefts are common and treatable, access to the years of comprehensive care required—from surgery to emotional and social support—remains out of reach for many.
'People often think of clefts as a single surgery, when in reality, the journey can last decades,' said Iva Ballou, Manager, Community Development for Smile Train. 'Being cleft affected, I've undergone numerous surgeries connected to my condition. World Cleft Awareness Day is an opportunity to educate the public and advocate for equal access to care for everyone, everywhere.'
Smile Train will mark the day this year by launching a global awareness campaign that includes sharing powerful stories, engaging media, leading social media activations, and encouraging individuals, communities, and organizations to participate. In support of these efforts, Smile Train will provide a free World Cleft Awareness Day toolkit with logos, messaging and social media assets to help partners and supporters amplify the message.
While Smile Train is leading this initiative, World Cleft Awareness Day is a shared platform. Medical professionals, nonprofits, corporate partners, influencers and—most importantly—patients and their families are encouraged to become involved.
'Our vision is for World Cleft Awareness Day to grow into a widely observed annual event that inspires action, kindness and connection around the globe,' said Troy Reinhart, Smile Train's Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Ambassador Development. 'Together, we can break down barriers and build a future where no one is held back because of a cleft.'
To learn more about World Cleft Awareness Day, Smile Train's initiatives and the lives of cleft-affected children, visit cleftday.com.
About Smile Train: Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children's lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.
Media Contact: Nicole Bell | Public Relations
[email protected] | (646) 829-0996
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'I think if we had been able to have access to Zurzuvae sooner, it would have shortened some of the pain, but they were able to find other medications that helped me,' Ms. Ginther said. She has since reduced her workload and continues taking Prozac. She has no intrusive thoughts and is 'doing much better,' she said. Effective for some, but not all As doctors try to determine which patients Zurzuvae can help, Jenny Sharma's experience illustrates the complexity. Ms. Sharma, 43, of San Diego, had a history of depression, especially linked to menstruation, but it was not as severe as the depression she experienced after giving birth in August 2023. Several months later, she began feeling suicidal and she said she also had 'homicidal thoughts toward the baby,' vivid and terrifying images. She sought help from Dr. Reminick's program, trying different medications over several months. While taking Zurzuvae, her symptoms improved. 'I felt wonderful,' she said. Dr. Reminick said Ms. Sharma's response to Zurzuvae was 'the best I've ever seen her.' But, she said, about 11 days into the 14-day regimen, Ms. Sharma started speaking haltingly and appeared to have 'cognitive difficulties, whole body shaking and twitching, confusion and dizziness.' Dr. Reminick said it was unclear whether those symptoms were linked to Zurzuvae or to another medication. Overall, she said she considered Zurzuvae a 'good fit' for Ms. Sharma, but her improvement didn't last. 'About a month later, my symptoms all came raging back,' Ms. Sharma said. Afraid that she would harm her baby, she visited an emergency room and then had several psychiatric hospitalizations and electroconvulsive therapy. Eventually, with other medications and some supplements, her mental health stabilized, although she occasionally experiences brief periods of depressive thoughts, she said. In clinical trials, patients helped by Zurzuvae continued doing well 45 days later. 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But she said Ms. Fiscus called her and 'cried with relief' after taking it. While taking Zurzuvae, Ms. Fiscus continued breastfeeding and returned to work, eventually becoming an official at a nonprofit. She still takes Prozac, but credits Zurzuvae with ending her thoughts of self-harm. She even saved the box. 'It's a comfort seeing it,' she said. 'There's hope in that box.' If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach a lifeline for help, or go to If you or someone you know is struggling with a perinatal mental health condition like postpartum depression, call the Postpartum Support International Helpline (1-800-944-4773) or go to
