Introduction from Stephanie Paul,Executive Director of myFace

Dear Healthcare Provider,

myFace is pleased to sponsor this special edition of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal (CPCJ), which is devoted specifically to the psychosocial needs of patients born with cleft palate-craniofacial conditions. For 70 years, myFace has been dedicated to changing the faces – and transforming the lives – of children and adults with facial differences.

Understanding that craniofacial differences can profoundly impact the spirit as well as the body, myFace seeks to provide support that helps to heal both body and spirit. We know that ACPA teams are equally concerned with matters of the spirit, and how individuals’ psychological, emotional, and social functioning can be impacted by craniofacial differences, which is why we are delighted to partner with ACPA to deliver this special edition to the CPCJ. In focusing our collective attention on the psychosocial needs of patients, we believe that they can receive the support which will help them to thrive and succeed in life.

myFace has a long history of providing access to comprehensive medical and dental care, along with education and direct patient services. In addition, myFace also has a strong focus on the psychological, social, and emotional needs of people living with craniofacial differences. This holistic approach paves the way for better patient outcomes. We seek to transform patients’ lives while providing a supportive environment in which they can flourish. We aim to celebrate patients with craniofacial conditions by giving them opportunities to be seen and appreciated in their uniqueness. Because many people living with facial differences can experience rejection and isolation, we work hard to ensure that no one ever feels alone.

At the heart of our approach are three pillars of support:

Grant Funding: myFace provides grant funding to centers that deliver quality comprehensive craniofacial care. These grants help to ensure that patients are able to receive medical and dental/orthodontic care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Direct Services: myFace provides direct services that meet the day-to-day needs of patients with craniofacial conditions. We offer Virtual Support Groups for interested members. myFace is also partnering with fellow nonprofit Welcome Baby to provide free Newborn Craniofacial Care Kits to families in need. These kits contain Dr. Brown’s^® Specialty Feeding Systems, along with other newborn supplies. myFace is working with Craniofacial Centers throughout the U.S. to deliver these kits directly to families.

Public Awareness and Education: myFace seeks to educate patients, families, and healthcare providers through our Transforming Lives Webinar Series and topic-driven workshops. We also strive to raise public awareness about craniofacial differences through our Wonder Project school assemblies, and through our monthly podcast, myFace, myStory: Voices from the Craniofacial Community, where individuals can share their stories, be seen, and be heard.

In addition to our programs and services, myFace hosts stand-alone events which give patients and families the opportunity to meet one another. This has led to many lifelong friendships and an extensive community support system. myFace hosts annual events such as myFace Celebrates… (a virtual talent show), Races for Faces, an annual Holiday Party and much more. These opportunities empower patients’ spirits while building confidence and community.

For more information about the programs and services we offer, please visit our website at myFace.org or contact myFace’s Senior Program Director Sandy Gilbert directly at: sandy@myface.org. You and your patients can also sign up to receive our free monthly Newsletters at: https://www.myface.org/myface-newsletter-sign-up/

Whether you are a mental health provider, a surgeon, a nurse, a dentist or orthodontist, a speech therapist, a genetic counselor, a dietitian/nutritionist, or allied health professional, we hope that the information found in this special edition may inform your practice. myFace is committed to helping educate healthcare providers on this important topic. We look forward to partnering with you in other ways, as well, to better support patients and families impacted by cleft palate-craniofacial conditions as they thrive in their journeys. Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions or ideas as to how we might be able to work together in service to the community.

Warmly, Stephanie Paul Executive Director, myFace Stephanie@myface.org