A parent has produced over 100 drawings of individuals who were born with a cleft lip or palate.
Katie Manning, who lives in Witney, launched the initiative called 100 Cleft Portraits to help her daughter Ella, who is now 19 and was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate.
The condition, which impacts approximately one in every 700 infants worldwide, develops when the lip and palate fail to join together correctly during pregnancy.
Mrs Manning stated that she wants to display these artworks in prominent locations such as hotels and restaurants, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of those born with a cleft while helping to change public attitudes in a highly visible manner.
She expressed that she feels extremely proud of how far this endeavour has developed and what it stands for.
She added that for many years there has been shame and confusion surrounding the condition, and she hopes this work assists in questioning and consequently altering that perspective.
Ella received surgical intervention during infancy to reconstruct her lip, followed by palate surgery, dental work, and speech therapy.
Although the medical care addressed the physical elements, Mrs Manning described the emotional effect as devastating, causing her to feel helpless, frightened, and worried about what lay ahead.
She subsequently changed careers to become a trauma specialist to better assist her daughter, and began reaching out to other families dealing with cleft conditions through online communities.
This led to the establishment of her portrait initiative which includes more than 115 hand-drawn images, many including personal accounts.
Several of the drawings depict patients helped by Smile Train, the global organisation dedicated to cleft care.
The collection will now go on a four-week exhibition tour throughout the United States, beginning in Philadelphia on July 28 and visiting 12 states before finishing in San Diego at the close of August.
The tour is being hosted by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, with Smile Train as one of the national supporters.
Susannah Schaefer, president and chief executive of Smile Train, commented that every child with a cleft deserves the opportunity to flourish.
She noted that Katie’s portraits honour the beauty found within their varied cleft community while helping to dismantle shame and increase awareness of cleft conditions.
Adam Levy, executive director of ACPA, commented that they are delighted to showcase a project that unites patients, families, and medical professionals from across the nation.
He stated that at ACPA they are dedicated to enhancing care, but also to highlighting the perspectives and narratives of the cleft community.
While the NHS offers early intervention and assistance in Britain, youngsters in numerous low-income nations experience extended delays or may never obtain treatment.
Smile Train provides local healthcare workers with education, financial support, and materials to deliver free cleft operations and complete care worldwide, significantly transforming children’s lives, encompassing their capacity to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately prosper.