Celebrating 15 Years of Transformative Cleft Care: Loma Linda University Health’s Heartfelt Reunion

Loma Linda University Health recently held a touching reunion for cleft lip and craniofacial patients. Families gathered on July 13 for a day filled with fun, games, and support. One special feature was a mobile dental clinic, making care more accessible for attendees.

Martha Contreras-Flores from San Bernardino shared her story about her son, Logan Flores. Now 15, Logan was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Martha found out about his condition during a 3D ultrasound at seven months pregnant. She noticed shadows on his face and felt something was off. After being referred to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Logan received thorough, coordinated care, including the use of a pre-surgical device named PNAM (Pre-surgical Nasal Alveolar Molding). This innovative approach has been shown to improve outcomes for children with cleft deformities.

Dr. Jung Wei “Anna” Chen, who leads the pediatric dentistry program at Loma Linda, emphasized the value of these reunions. She said, “They foster a sense of belonging. Older patients inspire younger ones, while parents create a supportive network. It’s about more than just surgery; it’s about emotional healing too.” Children with clefts often feel different, and events like this help them see they are not alone.

Cleft lip and palate can bring various health challenges that require ongoing, specialized care. The craniofacial team at Loma Linda offers a comprehensive approach that starts at birth and continues throughout childhood. Their team includes diverse specialists—pediatricians, plastic surgeons, speech pathologists, and social workers—ensuring that each child’s needs are met at every developmental stage.

Statistics show that around 1 in every 1,600 babies is born with a cleft lip or palate in the U.S. This makes supportive care crucial. The emotional and psychological needs of these children often extend beyond physical health. As Dr. Chen noted, their emotional well-being is just as important.

By fostering connections among families and providing holistic care, Loma Linda University Health is making a real difference for those affected by cleft lip and palate. These reunions shine a light on not just the challenges but also the hope and support available to every child and parent on this journey.



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