Iva and Ashley welcome Luci Capo-Rome, a retired nurse practitioner, author, and advocate for older adults with craniofacial differences for an insightful, powerful discussion on overcoming challenges, finding strength in community, and advocating for lasting change. Luci shares her journey to accepting her bilateral cleft lip and palate, her career as both a patient and a healthcare provider, and the inspiration behind her book, Lucia’s Story: My Imperfect Beauty. Our conversation explores why community is so important for cleft-affected individuals, the impact of self-esteem on relationships, and Luci’s advocacy work, including her efforts spearheading Smile Train’s support for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

Mentioned:

Building a Community for Adults with Craniofacial Difference Building A Community for Adults with Craniofacial Difference

Lucia's Story: My Imperfect Beauty: A Memoir written in Devotion to and Respect for Facial Difference

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act

bellalucia.net

Follow Luci on IG at @luciaimperfect

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Transcripts are available at smiletrain.org/lovemeetsjoy

Follow Ashley on IG at @cleftloveig and Facebook at Cleft Love

Follow Iva on IG at @realsophisticatedjoy and Facebook at RealSophisticatedJoy

Love Meets Joy is produced by Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care. Over the last 25+ years, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for 2+ million children and will continue to do so until every child in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve. Learn more here.

Lucia’s Story: Empowering the Cleft Community with Luci Capo-Rome