In this heartfelt episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo talks with Colleen Bennett, a Washington State native and military spouse of 18 years. Colleen shares the emotional story of discovering her daughter’s bilateral cleft lip and palate diagnosis while her husband was deployed, and the loneliness that followed in the early days of uncertainty.

Determined to advocate for her daughter, Colleen began researching cleft care on her own and discovered just how much treatment plans can vary by hospital. She shares what she learned about the benefits of NAM (nasoalveolar molding), how it can support both families and surgeons, and why clear communication with siblings is so important. Her passion and perspective offer comfort, clarity, and strength to any parent navigating a new diagnosis.

This episode is a moving reminder that while the cleft journey can begin in isolation, it often leads to powerful advocacy and deep connection.

Links and Resources:

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

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