About

Our Vision

To create a world where all barriers associated with cleft and craniofacial conditions are eliminated and children can achieve their full potential.

Our Mission

To provide an equal opportunity and comprehensive services to all cleft and craniofacial patients, despite background, culture or ability.

To advance cutting-edge research so that the best techniques and treatment can be created and validated.

To educate healthcare providers so that equivalent cleft and craniofacial services can be provided world-wide.

To promote awareness in order to eliminate stigma and empower people with a cleft and craniofacial background.

Our Background

Smile Together was created by one loving family and one eager team to expand the reach and influence of the Cleft & Craniofacial Center at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

A letter from the founders

Carlee and I created Smile Together one afternoon in April 2019 after a phone call to reschedule my son’s annual appointment with the Duke Cleft & Craniofacial Center. Having never spoken before, we quickly connected on the level and depth of care provided by the Duke team and its impact on patient families, including ours.

Our family held a lemonade stand each year since our son, Austin’s, birthday to raise awareness and support for cleft conditions. Austin was born on World Smile Day in 2016 which instantly had meaning since he was born with a cleft lip and palate. There was no history of a cleft condition on either side of our family, and Austin’s care has opened us up to an amazingly strong and supportive cleft community.

In 2017 and 2018, we raised funds to benefit the treatment of cleft conditions. In 2019, we knew we could have a greater impact and partnered with the Duke Team. Our mission is patient-focused, and our efforts rely on YOU for support. We’re so happy you stopped by!

Sincerely,

Chrissy Wrede, Cleft Patient Family

Carlee Jones, Team Coordinator for the Duke Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Team