By Brandy Pettet

July 16 marked one year since Grace underwent cleft surgery to repair her lip and place a gastrostomy or feeding tube.

A year ago, Grace couldn’t take a bottle, she wasn’t rolling over, eating without a tube or sleeping more than three hours at a time! 

Over the past year, she has had another handful of surgeries and procedures that I could argue she has handled better than most adults would have. Today, Grace is thriving, she is eating on her own, has phased out of her special bottles, she sleeps 8+ hours a night (yay), she no longer uses her feeding tube, she is crawling, standing supported and going to be walking before we know it. She is unconditionally loved by everyone who knows her and beams with pride for herself!

I share Grace’s story, not for pity (she is anything but pitiful) but to spread awareness for something we knew nothing about nor ever thought we would have to learn about. I share Grace’s story to spread strength and encourage others. She handles every step of her journey with amazing resilience and, dare I say it, “grace”.

It just so happens that July is Cleft Awareness Month, which I found serendipitous as it also marks her first cleft repair. Cleft is not just cosmetic – from nutrition to the nervous system, the condition goes far beyond what is seen on the surface. 

In honor of Grace, her incredible surgeon Dr. Chris Zarella and medical team, and in honor of all of those affected by cleft, I encourage you to please consider donating to the ‘Amazing Grace’ fundraiser.

Please remember there is strength in every smile. 

Brandy Pettet is a mother to three children including Grace, who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Grace underwent two surgeries, which were performed by Dr. Chris Zarella, who volunteers with Alliance for Smiles.