They truly are a wonderful group of people. They are not only there with information when you need it, but they are there to encourage you and help you in any and all ways possible. Without Debbie and all she has done for our family, we wouldn't be where we our today. We are greatful for everything AmeriFace has helped us with. Truly great people and organization.

I was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. I remember going to these sad picnics for parents and children with "facial differences" I say sad because no one was happy and all the parents would introduce their kids as this is my son or daughter with the cleft I don't remember anyone caring about what my name was just what kind of cleft I had, what surgery was I on did I have "the palate" also.

11 years ago I had boy/ girl twins, one had a bilateral cleft lip and palate. I knew since my pregnancy (16 weeks) but I think I'm a procrastinator or I'm one of those who thinks I don't have to deal with things till they come. So I didn't do much research or look for much support actually didn't even know that there was support out there and I sure didn't want to contact those "sad" groups.

My twins were able 1 month old and I was sitting in front of the tv while pumping milk watching the montel Williams show. It struk my interest when I heard something about cleft lip and palate so I stayed tuned. That's where, for the first time I heard about the wonderful Debbie Oliver and her amazing cause and she was in VEGAS!!! I immediately got on line and found cleft Advocate. We attended our first conference about 3 years later which was so wonderful to meet some of the people I been been getting know, helping and getting help from. I had actually met a young couple in person who just had their new baby girl and wanted to meet us in person who I had met in cleft Advocate.

This network has been so amazing all these years for me to be able to get help and get answers to things I never knew about it had gone through.

This week my family was blessed and able to attend this year's 25th annual conference! My twins are now 11, they have a younger brother who's 8 and a new baby sister. Being able to come this year has been amazing and so different to be in such a different place in our lives. What brought me the most joy was to see my son happy again and have that big smile on his face. He knew that he was just like other kids, he wasn't alone in this world and he wasn't my "cleft kid" he was himself and he is beautiful and perfect!

The conference is a huge plus to be able to make once in your lifetime is a huge plus but the heart and soul purpose of this network is the friendships, the support, the love and sense of family and others who "get it" then being able to help others to be out in the community and to be able to share what we got is priceless.

I'm so grateful that I saw that montel Williams show and learned about Debbie and her organization all those years back! What a blessing it has been.

I expected going to this conference to get information on having a cleft lip and palate. What I came out with was knowing what to expect in the long run what our son will be going through. It was very eye opening for my husband and I. We also met new friends young and older. I love how the speakers used words that were easy to understand and we're able to answer our questions. I was expecting more people to attend. I'm glad it was a smaller amoubt if people after all. We were all able to connect with one another on a more personal level. My kids all met great friends. This was the first time being outside of a medical facility that we were able to interact with othet cleft lip/ palate kidd and adults. We cant wait to go back and attend next year.

Amazing group of people who provided support, guidance, and insight that was much appreciated.

I cannot even remember how I came to know about AmeriFace, but from the moment I did- I loved it. Debbie Oliver is one of the most gracious, kind-hearted, intelligent women I've gotten the opportunity to know. AmeriFace provides so much information and clarity when it comes to the knowledge of Cleft Lip/Palate's and other Craniofacial deformities. The level of professionalism and care goes hand and hand. It truly is like a community, and they will make sure you are informed and comfortable. There is a plethora of information and resources you can find, just by visiting the AmeriFace website. It is an awesome organization, and I just wish more people were informed about it!

My family has always found comfort from the many people at Amerface. We have also been a part of helping others throughout the years and now my son is picking up and helping others.

Looking for an organization or community event that my daughter and her friends can help in with other children their age who have disabilities. IF anyone knows of any please let me know. Thanks. jerm5497@gmial.com

I've been a client, parent advocate and volunteer for 12.5 years, since the beginning when Cleft Advocate first formed. Debbie had just begun forming the organization, and I've been served as a parent of a child with a craniofacial difference and I've been a volunteer.

I would do it again in a heartbeat if I had to. This organization has done so much over the years. Hope it keeps on ticking for the next 12 yrs and more more to come.

I ended up volunteering with AmeriFace because I fell in love with the people. I can't imagine going though my son's childhood without their support. cleftAdvocate was brand spanking new when I first stumbled on them, and they were a lifeline, a source of comfort, and a place of sanity. I honestly don't know what I would have done without them and am so glad I found them when my son was only a few months old. 12 years later, I love them just as much and I can't imagine my life without them.