I was born in Suzhou, China with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. While living in an orphanage in China, I received two procedures to repair my lip and begin the first stage of fixing my palate. At the age of 3, I was adopted by a family in the United States.
Shortly after my adoption, my parents met with the Cleft and Craniofacial Reconstruction team at UC Davis Medical Center. We began the journey of correcting my palate along with other congenital conditions. Some of my conditions were: hearing impairment, speech-language difficulties, and dental problems. I underwent countless operations to correct these conditions. Each of these surgical procedures played a role in who I am today because they improved my quality of life.
My personal experience inspired me to do a fundraiser that would spread awareness and raise money for children with similar birth conditions. On January 1, 2023, I hosted a color run/walk and raised over $1,500 for the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.
I will continue advocating for craniofacial patients around the world. My cleft team has improved my quality of life and inspired me to help others. Not only did my craniofacial surgeon repair my cleft lip and palate, but he gave me a better self-image. In fact, after undergoing my last procedure, I have decided to become a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
– Testimonial submitted by Jenna Justice
