In this episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo shares an unforgettable experience from Smile Train's Cleft Con 2024. Laura immersed herself in heartwarming stories as she connected with inspiring individuals from the cleft lip and palate community. She also discovered the power of human connection and the incredible impact of organizations like Smile Train. Get ready to be uplifted and inspired as Laura Arroyo brings you behind the scenes of this life-changing event. Connect with fellow cleft advocates on Instagram: @thecelebratingmama, @Stepheintz, @cleftmom83, @cleftloveig, @jimenaaxoxo, @elliemades, @_beautybytoni_ , @collette_cutiewithacleft, @karalynholden, @gloriamaderatv @realsophisticatedjoy Support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act: https://nfed.org/get-involved/advocate/ways-to-advocate/#/ Love Meets Joy Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-meets-joy/id1632265631?i=1000577990940 Want to share your story? Email us at [email protected]. Want to be a show sponsor? Email us at [email protected] Follow us @ourforeversmiles on social platforms We know you will have questions! Join our FB Community to discuss the weekly episode and speak directly to our guests. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1081522212884073/ ____________________________________________________________________________ Here are some key highlights from the event:   Inspiring keynote speeches by Lisa Olivarez. Engaging sessions on various aspects of cleft care. Opportunities to network with fellow attendees and friends. Special sessions on emotional support, insurance how-to, and personal stories. We also want to share the following links and updates with you as well:   Smile Train's two millionth cleft surgery: Alim and Rajib Attached here is the ELSA one-pager, and this is the link to the NFED advocacy page: https://nfed.org/get-involved/advocate/ways-to-advocate/#/ 5th Annual Global Cleft Con: Our Annual Virtual Cleft Con will be held on November 2nd. Learn more at www.smiletrain.org/cleftcon.   Join the Cleft Community Advisory Council (CCAC): Informed by their own experiences with clefts, our members help advance the organization's communications strategies and, through an array of engagement activities, help strengthen the US cleft community. Applications open in December. Learn more at www.smiletrain.org/ccac Join Smile Train's Young Leadership Circle (YLC): The YLC is a group of graduate students and young professionals that holds fundraising events and educational programs throughout the year. Applications are now open and close onAugust 23rd. Learn more at www.smiletrain.org/ylc Become a Smile Train Student Ambassador: Made up of students from across the U.S., this group encourages students to expand their networks, learn about the global nonprofit sector, and support Smile Train's programs. Applications are now open and close on August 23rd. Learn more at www.smiletrain.org/student-ambassador   Join Team EMPOWER: By joining Team EMPOWER, participants can take part in exclusive endurance events, such as marathons and walks, and in turn fundraise for Smile Train. Team EMPOWER is particularly prominent in the marathon space, with spots in four of the six major marathons. https://www.smiletrain.org/get-involved/team-empower

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