On July 1, San Francisco City Hall, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, was illuminated in Alliance for Smiles’ colors of teal, pink, purple, yellow, and orange in recognition of Cleft Awareness Month. The lighting of San Francisco City Hall serves as both a symbol and a call to action: a reminder that awareness is the first step toward change, and that together, we can help ensure every child has access to the care they need.

In the United States, July is observed as National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of cleft conditions and other craniofacial differences. While cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth differences globally – affecting approximately 1 in 700 babies – the challenges associated with these conditions remain widely misunderstood.

Without timely medical care, children born with cleft conditions can face significant health complications. Many infants struggle to feed, which can lead to malnutrition in critical early stages of development. As they grow, they may experience recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, speech difficulties, dental issues, and increased vulnerability to respiratory illnesses.

Beyond the physical challenges, the social and emotional impact can be profound. In many parts of the world, children with cleft conditions face stigma, isolation, and discrimination. Misconceptions and cultural beliefs can lead to exclusion from school and community life. In the most severe cases, children may be abandoned or subjected to abuse simply because of a condition that is entirely treatable.

Yet access to care remains a significant barrier. For many families, cleft surgery and follow-up treatment are either unavailable or financially out of reach.

This is where Alliance for Smiles steps in. Through our global medical missions, we provide free cleft surgeries to children in underserved communities, restoring not only smiles but also hope, dignity, and opportunity. Equally important, we work alongside local healthcare providers to build sustainable systems of care, ensuring that treatment continues long after our teams have returned home.

This Cleft Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in spreading awareness, challenging stigma, and supporting life-changing care for children around the world.