In this engaging episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Liv Broads, a UK mom whose son Rio was born with a unilateral cleft lip and gum notch. Liv shares her experience navigating Rio’s cleft journey, from the early days of diagnosis to preparing for surgery in the UK healthcare system.

Together, they discuss the aesthetics of cleft lip repair and why it’s important for parents to feel empowered to talk openly with surgeons about their wishes and expectations. Liv also highlights the incredible support she’s received from CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association) and shares her excitement about her upcoming skydive on July 20th to raise funds for the organization.

Liv talks candidly about daily life with a cleft-affected baby, her partnership with Dr. Brown’s, and her mission to bring hope and resources to other families on the same path.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the power of community, advocacy, and finding your voice in the cleft journey.

Links and Resources:

• Support Liv's SkyDive for CLAPA
• Patreon Subscription Tiers for Exclusive Content
• Our Forever Smiles Merch Store
• NC Cleft Mom FB Group
• Our Forever Smiles FB Group

______________________________________________________________________________

Today's sponsor is sienna dawn media Integrated Marketing Agency

sienna dawn media is more than just a marketing agency—they are your partners in progress.

Their mission is simple — to alleviate marketing bandwidth, allowing creative business owners to focus on what they set out to do: create. sienna dawn media empowers creatives to thrive without the burden of managing their own social media and marketing campaigns.

So, if you're ready to set sail toward new horizons, let sienna dawn media chart the course and steer your business toward success. Visit siennadawnmedia.com.

In this powerful episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo speaks with Dr. Anna Thurmes, a cleft-affected adult, speech-language pathologist, professor, and member of the University of Minnesota Cleft and Craniofacial Team, where she was once a patient herself. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Dr. Thurmes shares how her lived experience shaped her personal and professional path.

As host of The Cleft Collective Podcast and a PhD in Family Social Science, Dr. Thurmes brings a unique, compassionate perspective to cleft care. She opens up about her own cleft journey, the importance of mental and emotional support, and how she now helps other families navigate their own stories.

This episode is a meaningful conversation about identity, advocacy, and the power of turning lived experience into purpose.

Links and Resources:

• Anna Thurmes on Instagram
• Patreon Subscription Tiers for Exclusive Content
• Our Forever Smiles Merch Store
• NC Cleft Mom FB Group
• Our Forever Smiles FB Group

______________________________________________________________________________

Today's sponsor is sienna dawn media Integrated Marketing Agency

sienna dawn media is more than just a marketing agency—they are your partners in progress.

Their mission is simple — to alleviate marketing bandwidth, allowing creative business owners to focus on what they set out to do: create. sienna dawn media empowers creatives to thrive without the burden of managing their own social media and marketing campaigns.

So, if you're ready to set sail toward new horizons, let sienna dawn media chart the course and steer your business toward success. Visit siennadawnmedia.com.