What is it like to grow up with a cleft palate and learn to find your voice in a world that often feels intimidating? In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, Laura sits down with Delaney, a professional in the medical device industry who was born with a cleft palate, to discuss her personal journey through surgeries, speech therapy, self-confidence challenges, and ultimately finding the courage to speak up and advocate for others.

Delaney shares what it was like for her family to receive a surprise cleft diagnosis at birth, her early memories of hospital stays and surgeries, and how years of speech therapy helped shape her communication skills. She opens up about childhood insecurities, navigating bullying, and the lasting impact cleft can have on confidence and self-expression.

Together, Laura and Delaney explore the unique perspective of being born with a cleft palate, the importance of advocacy, and why encouraging children to use their voice can be one of the greatest gifts parents can give. Delaney also offers heartfelt reassurance to parents who may be facing a new cleft diagnosis, reminding them that their child can live a happy, vibrant, and fulfilling life.

Whether you're a cleft parent, a cleft-affected adult, or a healthcare professional supporting craniofacial families, this conversation is filled with hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom.

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