Meet Vallerie - Born with a bilateral cleft lip, she received her diagnosis during pregnancy and began treatment at just 14 weeks old. Over the years, Vallerie has undergone 7 surgeries, including a hip-to-face bone graft, Lefort 1 Maxilla Advancement, and septorhinoplasty - as well as over a decade of orthodontic care.

I was 6 years old when I first came to Australia from Pakistan where I was born. However, I was born with a birth defect called 'Cleft Lip Palate', 1 year later my father came to Australia by boat. He was a refugee and was finding it really hard to find a proper job (as he was uneducated) and to also support us back in Pakistan.

It wasn’t until Kate was 19 years old that her father told her that he fainted at the sight of her as a baby. It is a significant moment, because it indicates just how far Kate has come. Her story is one of anguish and triumph – a craniofacial journey that will last her whole lifetime.

Meet Flora – a bright and resilient little girl born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Her family received her diagnosis during a routine pregnancy scan, and from that moment, they began a journey filled with challenges, strength, and hope.

After her routine 20 week ultrasound scan, mum Angel was called in to her GP’s office. “The baby we’d been trying for, for almost three years would be born with a significant (1cm+) cleft lip and palate."

Cecilia was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. She was inspired by the care given to her by medical staff during her treatment and is now a nurse herself. “Everyone is different and it can be hard, but when you grow up it’s not going to matter at all”.

My daughter Briana was only 2 days old when she first met Professor David. I was in absolute shock when he walked in, knowing how busy he was. How amazing is it that this man cares so much about this little child that has just been born? When he held her on that first meeting, he said ‘You are the most beautiful little girl and we will do everything for you’.