Our Mission
At Candies for a Cause foundation, we are dedicated to fostering a confident and empowered cleft community. Our mission is to support individuals and families affected by clefts through three core initiatives:
Our Core Values
Connection - Equity - Community Access
At Candies for a Cause foundation, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals affected by cleft palates.
Connection is at the heart of our mission. We strive to connect children of various ages who have experienced cleft palates, allowing them to grow up together and build lasting friendships. By creating opportunities for these children to meet others who share similar experiences, we help them see themselves reflected in one another. This sense of belonging fosters comfort and confidence, empowering them to embrace their uniqueness.
Equity means ensuring that everyone feels equal and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances. We advocate for the cleft palate community to promote fairness in all aspects of life. Our initiatives aim to empower individuals to navigate a world where they feel just as competent and worthy as those who do not have cleft-related challenges. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, we help dismantle barriers to acceptance.
Access opens doors to new opportunities. Our foundation is committed to providing individuals with access to experiences that enhance their well-being and personal development. Through sponsorships and discounted rates, we enable participants to engage in enriching activities such as Equine Therapy, skiing, and swimming lessons. By removing financial barriers, we ensure that everyone can participate and thrive.
Cleft Lip and Palate
Every three minutes, a baby is born with a cleft condition. These children may struggle with feelings of isolation and often encounter prejudice in their communities. No child should ever feel like they don't belong or be treated as an outsider.
Kids with cleft lip and palate often need a bit of extra help from a team of specialists, like doctors, surgeons, speech therapists, and nutritionists. On top of the medical support, they might also go through some emotional and social challenges as they grow up. That’s why it’s so important to offer them the right resources and support to help them flourish and that's where we come in.
With Your Support
Our foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the cleft lip and palate community. Acknowledging the financial challenges many families face, our initiative is committed to funding vital appliances and surgical supplies for those in need. We aim to provide appliances that may be necessary as individuals develop and transition into adulthood. We plan to partner with professionals, such as orthodontists, to assist families in affording braces. If you would like to partner with us, please reach out.
What is Cleft Lip and/or Palate
What is cleft Lip or palate?
1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate globally. Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not fully form during early development. A cleft lip appears as a gap in the upper lip, while a cleft palate involves an opening in the roof of the mouth. These conditions can lead to various challenges for affected children, including difficulties with eating, speech, and dental health.
Why Treat the cleft?
Children with untreated clefts can encounter various physical challenges, including difficulties with eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. These issues can impact their overall development and quality of life. Fortunately, cleft treatment addresses many of these difficulties, paving the way for healthier growth and a brighter future. By providing the necessary medical care and support, we enable these children to build confidence, communicate effectively, and fully participate in their communities.
What is the treatment?
Reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate has advanced significantly over the past fifty years, leading to impressive improvements in techniques and procedures. Today, these surgeries are not only safe but also deliver immediate results. Patients often experience the joy of seeing their new smile for the first time, bringing tears of happiness to their parents' eyes. This transformative experience not only changes individual lives but also has a lasting positive impact on their families and communities.