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Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi and Miss USA Cheslie Kryst led a virtual card making activity on the official Miss Universe Instagram page to help spread smiles and awareness for Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft organisation, as the world continues to fight the novel Covid-19.
The reigning titleholders sent out messages of hope and inspiration to encourage people who lived in isolation.
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“It’s a difficult thing to be alone because of social distancing and the message is for them (cleft patients) to keep strong and to know that we are here, and that we are together in this global virtual community,” said Zozibini.
“This pandemic is exacerbating the isolation and especially affecting those who have cleft lip and palate. You may feel like an outcast, but we know and your families know that you’re the same as us, and hopefully these cards are going to make you feel better,” added Cheslie.
A cleft is a common birth difference that occurs when certain body parts and structures do not fuse together during fetal development. They can involve the lip and/or the roof of the mouth, which is made up of both hard and soft palate.
Causes of a cleft remain unknown but risk factors include environmental factors, lack of proper nutrition, as well as genetics.
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Many children with clefts around the world live in isolation, making it difficult to make friends and go to school, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing, and speaking.
