Cleft Friends was born in 2009 out of a need to support parents in South Africa with babies born with cleft lips and palates. We are based in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, and are a non-profit support group organisation. Our aim is to be a friend to parents and children affected by cleft lip and palates by meeting them as soon as possible after birth, supporting them emotionally through the various operations, and connecting them with healthcare professionals in their area. Our vision is to create awareness about cleft lips and palates in our community and provide special needs bottles for babies born in underprivileged areas.
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Our Hope for You!
The day your baby is born you expect to see a Paediatrician and not a Plastic Surgeon. Being diagnosed with a cleft lip or palate does not have to be traumatic. Heléna felt a huge sense of relief when she connected with a mom who had been in the same situation. We hope that “Cleft Friends” will bring a sense of relief to you!
Please contact us! We’d love to meet you!  |
 Top left: Joel Cullis feeding with a special needs bottle in the NICU the day he was born Top right: Cleft Friends' first post-operation visit to a mom and baby in Port Elizabeth, South Africa |