Cleft lip and palate is an abnormality that appears at birth. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that oral clefts in any form occur in about 1 in 700 births. In the US, cleft lip with or without cleft palate is the second most common birth abnormality, occurring 1 in approximately 940 live births.

A cleft lip can range from a small notch in the upper lip to a complete separation of the upper lip that can extend upward into the nose. The cleft can affect either one side of the mouth or both sides. An alveolar cleft is a gap in the gum line where the teeth come through and can occur along with cleft lips or palates. Individuals with a cleft lip can also have a cleft palate.

Cleft palate is a gap in the roof of the mouth. The cleft generally occurs when the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join entirely during gestation and can affect both the front (hard palate) and back (soft palate), or only one section.

In the United States, most families can readily access surgical repair for cleft abnormalities. Access is not, however, widely available in many other parts of the world. This is a situation dear to Dr. Gregg’s heart!

Each July for the past 9 years, Dr. Gregg has traveled to Kenya to perform pro-bono cleft surgeries for patients who otherwise would not have access to this life-changing surgery. Sadly, this year, medical mission trips are another casualty of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Were it not for the Pandemic, Dr. Gregg and her husband, Dr. Cornett, would be leaving this Friday for their 10 th Kenya mission trip. Each trip to Kenya, Dr. Gregg and the Cleft Team provide surgical services to 60-80 patients. These patients often travel for days to reach the AIC-CURE International Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. She has also traveled to Myanmar, South Sudan and Bolivia to provide cleft repair.

During this awareness month, we want to bring attention to the underserved patients in other countries and the incredible care that Samaritan’s Purse medical missions and physicians such as Dr. Gregg bring to these patients. Below are some photos of patients Dr. Gregg has helped on past mission trips. You can also view the video blog that Dr. Gregg filmed after her 2019 mission trip to Myanmar.

She is sad that these patients are missing out on cleft care this year, but is looking forward to her trip next summer!