Brave Face Kids Books

It’s Cleft Awareness Week. This is what the journey looks like — and why awareness matters. 💜

9 years in, and we’re starting a new phase of her cleft journey.

When she was a baby, we carried her through appointments and made every decision for her.
Now she walks in, asks questions, and understands what’s happening in her own body.

This season looks different—less about surgeries, more about growth, guidance, and long-term care.

We’re also stepping into a new chapter with a different orthodontic team after years with CHLA—because as she grows, her needs (and our choices) grow too.

Cleft care isn’t one moment. It grows with them.

And now, she’s growing right alongside it. 💛

We’ve all been there

I used to be so worried about all the challenges and pain her cleft lip and palate journey would bring. From surgeries to self esteem, I was scared that the cleft would hold her back. Boy, was I wrong. So to all the new cleft parents out there, know that they will be stronger and more amazing than you could ever imagine. And to my Ava The Brava, Happy 9th Birthday baby girl 💖🎉

A tender mix of pride and ache. Proud of their growing independence while being also acutely aware that they need me less and less.

So glad I did 💖

Hard-earned courage, passed down.

Core memories of holiday joy shared✨