Cleft lip and cleft palate are abnormalities that affect about every one in 700 children born in the United States (Cleft Palate Foundation).  Cleft lip and cleft palate are actually two different birth defects; it is possible to have one without having the other, but they usually form together.  Cleft lip occurs when the skin, bone, and gum in the upper lip do not fuse together as in normal embryological development.  Cleft palate occurs in the roof of the mouth when the two sides fail to join as one, creating a fissure.  Both cleft lip and cleft palate actually occur very early in the fetus’ development.  A common misconception about cleft lip and cleft palate is that the babies are mentally retarded; this could not be farther from the truth, and with the proper surgery these children will live very normal lives.  Surgery is necessary to actually repair the gaps in the skin, bone or gums. (Austin Turner, Medical Genetics)  

The China Mission proposes to correct about one hundred palate abnormalities this year.  China Mission has many partners who will work with us to complete these surgeries.  Home studies are being conducted to determine which children will be on the list of one hundred to receive the surgeries. The cost to correct the cleft palate is $250 each.