Tagged with:Adult Stories
-
A Message From Luke
I’ve seen so many people being upset or feeling down because they have a cleft but I don’t it doesn’t really bother me and it shouldn’t really bother other people. I say be proud to have a cleft lip because it shows that we are strong ?
-
David’s Story
As well as getting in touch about becoming a CLAPA Volunteer, David’s been kind enough to share his story in this interview, in the hope it will share some of his positivity with others in the UK Cleft Community.
-
#NHS70: Pat’s Story
Pat was born in 1954 with a cleft lip and palate. She is currently a Cleft Nurse Specialist at the Birmingham Children’s’ Hospital. In this interview to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS, she offers insight into the changes in cleft care over the years that she has experienced as both a patient and a professional.
-
Rebecca’s Story
Rebecca got in touch with CLAPA to share her experience of growing up with a cleft palate, which was undiagnosed until she was 3 years old.
-
Stavroulla’s Story
"Why does your lip have a funny shape?" The question got me thinking, mostly about my smile and myself. I found it intriguing how a child’s brain works, as there’s no filter. Of course the question took me aback, but I simply answered as best I could with a reply of ‘everyone is born differently, these differences are what makes us unique and special’.
-
Paul’s Story
Now as an adult I can go a couple of years without even giving my cleft a passing thought. Yes, it is a part of who I am - but only a small part. I am a person with a cleft lip. But I am also a person with two amazing children. I am also a person who cycles, who plays badminton, who develops websites, who is very tall, who is an only child, who sings in a choir. No one thing defines me.
-
Georgina’s Story
Overall, I’ve found growing up with a cleft lip and gum difficult. I’ve felt really down and insecure about it at times. However I’ve realised it’s OK to be different. I don’t need a smaller nose or perfect shaped lips to be happy. I’ve become more accepting of myself and my scars. I’m trying to stop hiding behind makeup and my bad habit of covering my mouth when talking to people. I’m trying to love myself for the way I am.
-
Keeley’s Story
As soon as I was born I was whisked away from my parents...I had something “wrong” with my lip. My dad (who had himself been born with a cleft lip in 1955) asked if I had a cleft lip. The nurse nodded and my dad just asked if he could hold me. The nurse noticed my dad’s scars and realised he understood exactly what was going on.
-
Viktoria’s Story
I was bullied at primary school and the other students would tease me about my cleft, or ask lots of questions. As I got older, I learned not to take it personally and overcame other people’s reactions. I started to see it as curiosity as I became more comfortable in my own skin.
-
Dave Z’s Story
My name is Dave Z. I was recently asked by the Cleft Lip & Palate association (CLAPA) to share my story about growing up and dealing with the issues surrounding the condition. At first I was unsure whether to go for it as its not something I usually talk about, If anything I try to avoid thinking about it.
