About A Special Smile

About Our Family

We are the parents of three cleft affected children; Claire-9, Aiden-7 and Duncan-4.

When we found that Aiden was being questioned about his lip at school we immediately went to the internet in search of a book. We were unable to find a children's book that positively, factually and lovingly explained why he had a "special smile". When we told Aiden this he simply said, "then you write one, Mom."

We sat down as a family and wrote A Special Smile. After I read the story to Aiden's class an amazing thing happened; his classmates were informed. This book explained cleft lip/palate and the team approach to these curious children. Once his classmates became informed they were more comfortable with Aiden and became his advocates.

Cleft lip and plalate childrens book

We are looking to help fund this important book with your help. You can purchase a dedication to you child, friend or a show of support for $100.00. In return you help see A Special Smile published and receive a signed copy upon publication with your dedication or show of support included in the book.

Our Mission

We would like to provide a tool for the families, friends and teachers of cleft affected children to accurately explain why our children have special smiles. Children are curious; A Special Smile informs the peers of our children with factual, age appropriate information to answer the questions our children cannot always accurately convey.

The next book, My Baby has a Special Smile will help explain to older siblings and family members why their new baby has a special smile and what will happen in the first busy year.