Janette Hollingbery Chair of the International Ambassadors group. Expand I think CLEFT is a wonderful charity because I know it has such an impact on people’s lives. CLEFT is important to me because it is researching the causes of and cures for CLEFT. One of our children was born with a cleft lip, so we would find it interesting to know more about what caused it. In some countries the access to cleft repairs is limited and so CLEFT is helping to train up doctors and to supply equipment to help out people who would otherwise be outcasts in their society. I have been inspired by the work of Mr Brian Sommerlad, who helped to start up CLEFT, and was happy to get involved. I have been a Trustee for a few charities so I know how difficult it is for small charities like CLEFT to raise money. I have a background in working with small businesses and various types of charities, so I try to contribute where I can. I split my time between London and Hampshire, which I can do now that all our three children are adults. I grew up in the USA and have lived in Britain half my life,. I can see the value of a National Health system, and supporting valuable research and those less fortunate. I have a an MBA from the Wharton Business school at the University of Pennsylvania and BA in economics from George Washington University.
Matt Ristau I'm equally excited and interested in both facets of the work CLEFT does across both research and international work. Expand As a parent, learning more about cleft lip and palates, causes, treatments, etc. will always be interesting and necessary to ensure our son is getting the best care. As someone fortunate enough to have easy access to doctors like Mr. Sommerlad, I'm also very excited about the work that CLEFT is doing to expand that access to areas of the world that don't have that same access.
Ghada-al-Bahar I am a Kuwaiti mother of three girls based between London and Kuwait. Expand Having been born with a cleft lip, I am acutely aware of how lucky I was to have had access to reconstructive surgery as a baby over 50 years ago. I have been very impressed with CLEFT's work overseas, training local doctors and raising funds for cleft surgical units, thus the interest in supporting CLEFT through fundraising.
Clara Palermo I am the mother of two children, my son was born with cleft lip and palate and my daughter was born with cleft lip and palate. Expand Both my children were surgically operated by Mr. Sommerlad. The great results of the surgical operations make them more serene. I understand how for every parents is really important to know that they have put their children in so good and care hands. I believe that every child needs to be cared by professional well skilled and highly specialized personnel to address functional and psychological issues in the best way. Due to my personal life experience, I strongly believe in CLEFT mission and I choose to get committed by making it better known in Italy.
Nora Vasony My daughter, Lili was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate in 2012. Expand Our personal journey made me realise what difference research makes when it comes to different treatments of this condition and I am committed to support the scientific endeavour of learning and finding best practices for treatment. I also know how privileged are those who have access to the best experts and treatment and I would like to support the charity in its work to help less privileged children with cleft lip and palate. By being an International Ambassador of CLEFT I would like to raise awareness of the charity's research and international activity, by supplying relevant information to the Hungarian community.
Major A N M Wasiul Anwar “Fortunate to be a member of the Noble Team and blessed by them” – Major Wasi Expand Major A N M Wasiul Anwar, Bangladesh Army is involved with CLEFT since 2012. Introduced being the father of a Cleft Lips and palate child and operated by Dr Sommerlad in UK. He closely liaises the doctors at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Bangladesh. He presently serving in MONUSCO, United Nations and working on collaboration between United Nations and CLEFT.