Creating a lifetime of smiles for the 1 in 700 cleft babies like Bowie.

Hi, I’m Adam and I’ve decided to lace up my trainers for my first big run, which I’m sure won’t be anywhere near as tough at Bowie’s first year. I’ll be running 50km on April 14th which includes the Karapiro marathon.

Bowie’s journey started with diagnosis of her cleft lip and palate at the 20-week scan. This can come as a big shock to parents. Within a week the Cleft NZ team and hospital specialists were on-board, mapping out a plan and offering incredible support, while the family prepared for the arrival of this much-loved bub and sister to Olive.

Feeding and sleeping can be really challenging for cleft babies. Cleft NZ supply equipment like special bottles and breast pumps to help out with this. For parents, the fatigue can be accompanied by stress of the up-coming surgeries. Bowie had 2 major operations in her 1st year, under the care of her incredibly talented surgeon. This has been quite lifechanging for Bowie and her family, and she is now rapidly developing her speech. A further surgery is planned at about 8 years old, but wow, the difference already is amazing.

Please support my fundraiser if you are able to, so that Cleft NZ can continue to help families navigate the unique challenges that these brave cleft babies bring.