Fun for a cause

Megan and Kal-El Chinukwue play with bubbles Saturday afternoon at Krepps Park during the WVU Cleft Palate Clinic picnic. 

Lucas Bennett gets his face painted like a tiger by Leigh Gifford during the WVU Cleft Palate Clinic picnic Saturday afternoon.

The Cleft Lip and Palate Team at WVU Medicine Children’s is an interdisciplinary team that serves the state, as well as surrounding areas where care for this patient population does not exist.  The multidisciplinary team allows children to benefit from the consolidated knowledge of many specialists from different fields in one place and in one visit.  Cleft lip and palate is correctable.  Surgery and proper care normally result in improved appearance and healthier, happier lives for children.  Equally as important is ongoing care for related problems that may affect communication skills and self-image.  A number of specialists for speech, hearing and dental problems, as well as social and emotional concerns, are essential for close monitoring throughout childhood.