Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity, continues to spread smiles one week

after World Smile Day® this year through a storytelling event with

Smile Train Philippines’ Ambassador Megan Young at partner hospital,

Philippine Band of Mercy. The actress and beauty queen visited Smile Train’s

patients at the Philippine Band of Mercy to share the story of Simon, a bright,

red cardinal, hatched from his shell with a big gap in his beak. Smile with

Simon is a story of friendship, love, acceptance, and kindness written by one of

Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council members and active supporter of

the organization, Patricia Simon, a registered nurse who was also born with

a cleft lip and palate. Having had cleft surgeries herself, Patricia has dedicated

her life to advocating for those born with clefts all over the world.

“The story is one of love and acceptance and I am grateful to

Smile Train for giving me the opportunity to share this message with the children.

Similarly, by reading stories such as Smile with Simon to children with

birth differences, I hope to boost their confidence and treasure their individuality

when dealing with the world,” said Megan Young,

Actress and Smile Train Philippines’ Ambassador.

“It is always a pleasure to work with Smile Train.

You can see the impact of their work

when you meet the children they have helped.”

“For Smile Train, creating smiles and inspiring others to do acts

of kindness should happen every day,”

said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Area Director for Southeast Asia.

“We are grateful to have Megan come and spend time with

the children and our local medical partners

as we believe that she can continue to raise awareness and

inspire others to spread smiles as well.”

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to

make a donation, please visit smiletrain.org.

Follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh,

and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

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About Smile Train
Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding,

and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally.

We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment,

drastically improving children’s lives,

including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive.

To learn more about how Smile Train’s sustainable approach

means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.org.

Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council (CCAC)

The CCAC is an important part of the Smile Train community.

Its members help advance the organization’s marketing initiatives

and communication strategies by serving in an advisory role.

Happy Times!