Latest news with #WorldCleftAwarenessDay
Business Standard
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Smile Train India Announces Actress Pavani Gangireddy as New Goodwill Ambassador in Honor of World Cleft Awareness Day
VMPL Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 21: In a move to help transform more lives and build awareness, Smile Train India, the country's largest cleft-focused organization, announces acclaimed actress and influencer Pavani Gangireddy as its new Goodwill Ambassador for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The appointment was made today during a special orientation event held at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad. The partnership coincides with the global launch of World Cleft Awareness Day on July 20, a day officially registered by Smile Train to celebrate the strength of cleft-affected individuals and their families worldwide. During her visit, Gangireddy learned about Smile Train's sustainable cleft care model, met with local medical partners and engaged with patients and families who have benefited from Smile Train's free cleft treatment program. "I'm honoured to join hands with Smile Train India at the launch of the first World Cleft Awareness Day," said Gangireddy,. "Meeting the children and hearing their stories today was deeply moving. It's evident how critical timely cleft treatment is, not just for physical health, but for self-esteem and social acceptance. I hope to use my voice to spread awareness and help end the stigma across the region." As a Goodwill Ambassador, Gangireddy will be actively involved in Smile Train India's awareness campaigns and community engagement programs, supporting initiatives across maternal and child health and cleft care. "Pavani's strong regional connection and compassionate voice makes her a powerful advocate for the cause,"said Mamta Carroll, Smile Train's Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia."There are many children who still struggle to eat, breathe and speak properly due to delayed treatment. Pavani's support will help us reach families who may still be unaware that free and quality cleft care is available for their children at Smile Train' partner hospitals." Dr. Mukund Reddy, Plastic Surgeon & Smile Train Project Director at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, emphasized the significance of Global Cleft Awareness Day, stating, "A dedicated day to raise global awareness about cleft conditions was long overdue. This initiative by Smile Train opens new dimensions in community engagement, early intervention and treatment. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by children born with clefts and the life-changing impact of timely treatment we will be able to break myths and stigma surrounding clefts." Smile Train has transformed the lives of over 27,000 children in Telangana and 8,000 children in Andhra Pradesh through free, life-changing cleft surgeries. With three active partner hospitals in each state, the organization continues to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that ensures accessible, high-quality cleft care. This collaboration with the actor marks a powerful stride toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate society, where no child is left behind. For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.
The Wire
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Wire
Smile Train India Announces Actress Pavani Gangireddy as New Goodwill Ambassador in Honor of World Cleft Awareness Day
Renowned Telugu actress pledges support to raise cleft awareness, break stigma, and promote inclusion for children with clefts across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad, July 21, 2025 — In a move to help transform more lives and build awareness, Smile Train India, the country's largest cleft-focused organization, announces acclaimed actress and influencer Pavani Gangireddy as its new Goodwill Ambassador for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The appointment was made today during a special orientation event held at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad. The partnership coincides with the global launch of World Cleft Awareness Day on July 20, a day officially registered by Smile Train to celebrate the strength of cleft-affected individuals and their families worldwide. During her visit, Gangireddy learned about Smile Train's sustainable cleft care model, met with local medical partners and engaged with patients and families who have benefited from Smile Train's free cleft treatment program. 'I'm honoured to join hands with Smile Train India at the launch of the first World Cleft Awareness Day,' said Gangireddy,. 'Meeting the children and hearing their stories today was deeply moving. It's evident how critical timely cleft treatment is, not just for physical health, but for self-esteem and social acceptance. I hope to use my voice to spread awareness and help end the stigma across the region.' As a Goodwill Ambassador, Gangireddy will be actively involved in Smile Train India's awareness campaigns and community engagement programs, supporting initiatives across maternal and child health and cleft care. 'Pavani's strong regional connection and compassionate voice makes her a powerful advocate for the cause,'said Mamta Carroll, Smile Train's Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia.'There are many children who still struggle to eat, breathe and speak properly due to delayed treatment. Pavani's support will help us reach families who may still be unaware that free and quality cleft care is available for their children at Smile Train' partner hospitals.' Dr. Mukund Reddy, Plastic Surgeon & Smile Train Project Director at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, emphasized the significance of Global Cleft Awareness Day, stating, 'A dedicated day to raise global awareness about cleft conditions was long overdue. This initiative by Smile Train opens new dimensions in community engagement, early intervention and treatment. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by children born with clefts and the life-changing impact of timely treatment we will be able to break myths and stigma surrounding clefts.' Smile Train has transformed the lives of over 27,000 children in Telangana and 8,000 children in Andhra Pradesh through free, life-changing cleft surgeries. With three active partner hospitals in each state, the organization continues to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that ensures accessible, high-quality cleft care. This collaboration with the actor marks a powerful stride toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate society, where no child is left behind. Smile Train India For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Associated Press
20-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Smile Train Launches World Cleft Awareness Day to Unite Global Cleft Community
Today, Sunday, July 20, 2025, Marks the Inaugural Observance 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 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 Media Contact: Nicole Bell | Public Relations [email protected] | (646) 829-0996 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Smile Train
