Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity, recently welcomed Miss Universe Ecuador, Virginia Limongi, as she visited patients under the care of Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines, Inc., a Smile Train partner.

“There is so much more to just visiting Smile Train patients,” says Limongi. “I am grateful to be given the opportunity to learn more about Smile Train and the cause that supports local medical professionals providing cleft surgery and cleft care for children globally. It is always a joy to help spread smiles to the children and their parents.”

Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines has been a long time partner of Smile Train, providing comprehensive cleft and craniofacial treatment and care for patients. During Limongi’s visit, she learned about the importance of comprehensive cleft care such as pre-surgical orthodontics that helps prepare babies for surgery. She also witnessed how speech therapy is conducted for children and adults who have had cleft palate surgery.

“More than spreading the word on Smile Train is being able to educate the public on proper cleft care both before and after surgery,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Area Director for Southeast Asia. “We are excited to have Virginia learn about the processes involved for these children in order to spread more awareness for the public.”