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 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

SOURCE Smile Train