Latest Blogs

Below is a list of blogs written by ACPA members and the National Office Team.

If you are interested in writing a blog, please email the ACPA National Office for more information.

*Disclaimer-The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association claims no responsibility for the content published by others on its web site. Published content does not imply endorsement of the organization or the content of the meetings.

Remembering ACPA Past President Leslie Holve

By ACPA ACPA posted 05-13-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
Leslie M. Holve, MD passed away peacefully May 5, 2021 - he had a long and very satisfying life. Dr. Holve was born September 26, 1926 and was raised on a citrus farm in Santa Ana, California. He attended Occidental College and then USC Medical School in Los Angeles. After graduating in 1952, he began a one year rotating internship at Los Angeles County Hospital and then started his residency in pediatrics at the same institution. However, his training was interrupted by the Korean War when he was called back to active duty by the Navy. After two years in the service he returned to the newly opened UCLA pediatric training program in 1954. Two years later he ...
0 comments

ACPA Past President Duane VanDemark has Passed Away

By ACPA ACPA posted 05-12-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
Dr. Duane R. VanDemark, 85, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, died peacefully at his home on Monday, May 3, 2021. He was the son of John and Anna (Lloyd) VanDemark and was born on February 26th, 1936, at the family farm on Piquad Road in Elida, Ohio. Known as “Van” by colleagues and friends, Far (Danish for father) by his children, Uncle Van by many more than his niece and nephew, and FarFar by his grandchildren, he has returned to his birthplace after more than 60 years. He spent most of his professional career at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where he was an accomplished and well-known speech pathologist. He lived in Iowa City, in the River Heights ...
0 comments

Issue 58.4 of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal Is Now Available

By ACPA ACPA posted 04-05-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
The new issue of  The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal  (CPCJ) is now available. All ACPA Members receive a free subscription to  CPCJ  - just  log-in to your ACPA account  to access the online version.   Not a member and want journal access?  Join now  ($250 for 2020 National Active Membership) or  purchase an individual subscription  ($324 for print and e-access). Velar Closing Ratio As a Predictor for the Verlopharyngeal Function After Double Opposing Z-Plasty for Postpalatoplasty Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Patients With Cleft Palate Caries Experience Varies in Egyptian Children With Different Combinations of Cleft Lip and Palate ...
0 comments

ACPA’s Publication: Your Baby’s First Year

By Alexis Giannattasio posted 04-02-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
ACPA offers information and resources about cleft and craniofacial care for patients and families. Developed by experts in the cleft and craniofacial field, ACPA publications cover a variety of topics including life stages, treatment and care, school age support and more. ACPA’s newly updated booklet,  Your Baby’s First Year , provides helpful information to help new parents along their journey, including information about individualized care and support for the family. “As the parent of a child born with cleft lip and/or palate, you already understand the surprise of being told that your child has a condition that will require treatment, possibly over ...
0 comments

Celebrating National Doctor’s Day

By Charlene Bell posted 03-30-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
Today is National Doctor’s Day, which honors professionals for their dedication and contributions to our world and smaller communities. At ACPA, we are celebrating today in honor of the professionals in our cleft and craniofacial community who work to improve the lives of patients and families every day. We are incredibly grateful for all that they do for us and our loved ones. This month, we had the privilege to share Sarah’s Story. Sarah was diagnosed with a prenatal stroke and Turner Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. At 23 years old, Sarah has seen to fruition 49 surgeries and expects more to come. In her story, Sarah shared with us just how important ...
0 comments

Development of Stop Consonants in Children with Repaired Cleft Palate

By David Zajac posted 03-29-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
The UNC Craniofacial Center is doing a research study on speech development in 2 year-old and 4-6 year-old children with cleft palate (with or without cleft lip). We are currently looking for children in these age ranges with repaired cleft palate. The purpose of this research study is to find out if some common speech problems in children with repaired cleft palate get better as a child gets older. There are two parts. One part is to determine if a new test of palatal closure during speech in 2 year-old children with repaired cleft palate will predict palatal closure at older ages. The other part is to find out if some common speech problems in children ...
0 comments

ACPA Announces Teams Approved in 2020

By Erin Mallis posted 03-19-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
We are pleased to announce that 33 ACPA Approved Teams were approved during the 2020 application cycle. ACPA approves cleft and/or craniofacial teams that meet the  Standards for Approval of Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Teams , based on the  Parameters of Care .   ACPA Approved Teams  are listed on the website and are available for the general public to reference when choosing a provider for cleft and craniofacial healthcare needs. Reapproved and newly approved teams are listed below: AdventHealth for Children - Cleft and Craniofacial Center Alberta Children's Hospital Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic Barrow Cleft and Craniofacial Center Central Washington ...
0 comments

Attend a Special Interest Group Forum in April

By Erin Mallis posted 03-05-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
One of the values of ACPA membership is the opportunity to participate in a special interest group. This member-only benefit allows you to network and learn from your colleagues on specialized topics in a multi-disciplinary setting. In April, ACPA’s special interest groups will host free online forums dedicated to their area of knowledge. All ACPA members are invited to register. The dates and registration links are provided below: 22q11.2 Related Disorders SIG Forum April 7, 2021 at 5:00 PM EDT Register Care Coordination SIG Forum April 14, 2021 at 4:00 PM EDT Register Mental Health/Psychosocial SIG Forum April 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM EDT Register ...
0 comments

How to Customize Notification Settings for ACPA’s Online Community

By Erin Mallis posted 02-12-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
As an ACPA member, you have access to the Online Community – a platform where you can connect with your colleagues by joining discussions, asking questions, sharing resources and more. Since many of our connections are now made virtually, I’d like to encourage you to take advantage of this member benefit. To stay in the know, adjust your notification settings to your preference. How to Customize Your Notification Settings: Log in to your account Click here. Select the drop-down arrow at the top right near your profile photo Select “Profile” Click “My Account” From the list of drop-down items, select “Email Preferences” From here, ...
0 comments

Scholarship Profile: Kaden

By Alexis Giannattasio posted 01-22-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
ACPA awards college scholarships annually to outstanding students born with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Kaden received one of ACPA’s 2020 College Scholarships and hopes to use it toward his dream of becoming a doctor, so he can give back to other patients and families. "Coming from Carson City Nevada, cleft lip and cleft palate is a unique feature to have within such a small community. Yet my two siblings, Kael and Gracie, and myself all have cleft lip and palate. Throughout my years in school, I have been the only one to have a cleft, which made me different form others, but also made me who I am today. Continuing on my journey, I will be ...
0 comments

Contact ACPA’s National Office Team

By ACPA ACPA posted 01-14-2021
Be the first person to recommend this.
ACPA’s phone system was recently updated to better serve the cleft and craniofacial community while our National Office Team continues to work remotely during COVID-19. We apologize for any technical difficulties you may have experienced and are excited to deliver exceptional service to you moving forward. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at (919) 933-9044 or visit the website for more information.
0 comments

‘Tis the Season to Give Hope

By Charlene Bell posted 12-15-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
Earlier this month, we shared Mikah’s story on the ACPA website. Mikah was born with a partial cleft lip, and in his story, his mother emphasizes just how important their ACPA Approved Team has been throughout their journey. “At 3 months old, he had his lip revision surgery in Syracuse, NY with Dr. Tatum and his team. We have always been amazed at how great he looked immediately following. Dr Tatum is an artist surgeon, making children’s lives happier and healthier. At 4 years old, we decided to do a revision surgery on his lip because part of it popped out a bit. Again, Dr. Tatum did the revision and Mikah looks awesome! We are hoping for no more surgery, ...
0 comments

Happy Holidays from ACPA

By ACPA ACPA posted 12-15-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
During this holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success possible in 2020. On behalf of the ACPA Board of Directors and National Office Team, we say thank you and send our best wishes for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!   The ACPA National Office will be closed December 21-25, 31  and  January 1.
0 comments

Make an Impact this Holiday Season

By Charlene Bell posted 12-11-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
During this season of giving, I invite you to make a difference in the cleft and craniofacial community by participating in ACPA’s Hope Campaign – a fundraising initiative that provides support for professionals and hope for patients. ACPA’s approach is unique, providing hope for patients by supporting the professionals who provide their care. We work with both professionals and patients to ensure the best possible outcomes, enabling people with cleft and craniofacial conditions to thrive throughout their lives. With your support, ACPA will continue to provide resources for professionals in the cleft and craniofacial field, including: Access to the ...
0 comments

Scholarship Profile: Madeline

By Catherine Choi posted 11-23-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
ACPA awards college scholarships annually to outstanding students born with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Madeline received one of ACPA’s 2020 College Scholarships and hopes to use it toward her dream of becoming a doctor, so she can give back to patients and families. "My name is Madeline Bravo, but I go by Maddy. I will be attending Santa Clara University in the fall and I plan on majoring in Neurobiology. I have always had a great love for the sciences and psychology, so why not merge them together? I was also accepted into the Lead Scholars Program at Santa Clara. After my time in Santa Clara, I plan on going to med school to become a doctor. Though ...
0 comments

Happy Thanksgiving from ACPA

By ACPA ACPA posted 11-23-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
From all of us at the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, we extend our greatest appreciation to you for your support in the cleft-craniofacial community and we send you our best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.  The ACPA National Office will be closed November 26-27.
0 comments

Shop AmazonSmile and Support ACPA

By Charlene Bell posted 11-20-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner–and if you’re anything like me, you want to make the most of every purchase this season. While preparing for the holidays, I encourage you to make the most of your gift giving by shopping through  AmazonSmile. When you shop AmazonSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/43-0793521 , Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to ACPA, at no cost to you. Your support this holiday season will help ACPA continue to give hope to patient and families in the cleft and craniofacial community. To learn more about how you can support ACPA, visit our website at www.acpa-cpf.org/support-acpa/ or contact me directly ...
0 comments

Support Professionals and Provide Hope for Patients This Season

By Charlene Bell posted 11-16-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
During times of uncertainty, we frequently search for hope. This is often the case when a parent receives the news of a cleft or craniofacial diagnosis. Many times, their hope is found the moment they meet with a provider specially trained in the cleft and craniofacial field. ACPA Members and Approved Teams are often that ray of sunshine in the lives of many patients and families. They are there to tell them that it’s going to be okay. During this season of giving, please consider making a year-end gift in support of the Hope Campaign. Your support will provide hope to patients and families, whose lives are often changed the moment they are connected to an ...
0 comments

Webinar Series for Patients and Families

By ACPA ACPA posted 11-10-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
myFace is hosting a free webinar series for patients and families in the cleft and craniofacial community titled, The Difference a Craniofacial Care Team Can Make . This webinar series will launch Thursday, November 12, 2020. In this one-hour program, patients and families will hear expert perspectives to help them better understand how to navigate the selection of medical, surgical and psychosocial specialists that will help address the child’s condition. There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask questions at the end of the program. Speakers for the webinar series include Joseph G. McCarthy, MD and ACPA Member Patricia Chibbaro, RN, MS, ...
0 comments

Issue 57.11 of The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal is Now Available

By Alexis Giannattasio posted 11-02-2020
Be the first person to recommend this.
The new issue of  The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal  (CPCJ) is now available. All ACPA Members receive a free subscription to  CPCJ  - just  log-in to your ACPA account  to access the online version. Not a member and want journal access?  Join now  ($250 for 2020 National Active Membership) or  purchase an individual subscription  ($324 for print and e-access). Issue 57.11 Table of Contents: Prevalence and Clinical Case Series of Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in a Saudi Arabian Neonatal Population Bandar Alyami, DDS, MS, ABO, Mutaz Ali-Hassan, BDS, MSc, Ramat Braimah, BDS, FAOCMF, FMCDS, FWACS, Mansur Al-Mahri, BDS, Fahad ...
0 comments