So how did CleftPALS start?

CleftPALS was formed by two friends who had babies with clefts during the same week in the same hospital.  These mothers kept in touch, mainly by telephone, providing a friendly voice throughout that first important year.  They discussed and shared the ideas they had developed to help their baby feed contentedly, discussed how they coped with upset friends and relatives, worked through what the neighbourhood children had said and, generally, supported each other in day-to-day matters.

They also had the benefit of a visit, while still in hospital, from another young mother with her baby, whose cleft lip had been repaired. Seeing how lively and normal this baby was made them realise that 'everything would be all right', just as the Doctors and hospital Staff had been saying. 

These two friends felt that every parent of a cleft-affected baby should have the same friendly contact - and on this basic concept, CleftPALS was formed.  The same friendly contact is offered to parents of all children, whatever their age. 

Here in South Australia there are not enough financial members yet for CleftPALS to be a viable committee on its own. Therefore, CleftPALS SA runs under the nationwide banner of CleftPALS Australia Inc.  Special permission has been sought by me to carry the CleftPALS SA logo and national banner on this site.

All memberships entitle South Australians to:

  • a quarterly newsletter (when available),

  • ongoing support and guidance,

  • the ability to stand as a committee member on the state committee (when viable), 

  • invitation to special events/coffee mornings, and

  • a host of other benefits as the group grows and evolves.

Financial members also have the opportunity of shaping SA's future as a founding member of this vital group. 

Please consider becoming a financial member by joining CleftPALS today.  In return for the help you get from the support group your membership money will help this group prosper and grow in the months and years to come.