Ultimately Drawing Alegria funds and organize surgical journeys in Latin America. These surgical journeys are for children living in communities in need, who were born with cleft lip and palate but do not have the resources to properly treat the condition. 

This condition is a birth defect that is often a result of malnutrition during pregnancy. To further explain, it is when the sides of the child’s lips and the roof of its mouth do not fuse together as they should during early development. It is possible to have cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. 

Cleft Lip and Palate have serious social and health repercussions in the lives of children as it impairs their ability to eat, may result in ear infections or even loss of hearing, may cause speech delays or impediments, may present dental problems, and affects the ability to develop socially as it severely impacts physical appearance. Fundraising is done through donations, hosting events like family skating days, golf tournaments and zumbathons; and through our Piggy Bank Initiative. This allows today’s youth to have a Drawing Alegria piggybank and learn early on about social responsibility and helping those in need.

Ultimately Drawing Alegria looks to give back to communities in need by creating healthier, happier lives. Striving to give back to these communities is important, and it is time to do so by funding and organizing Surgical Journeys to treat Cleft Lip and Palate. This is a condition that affects many children living in poverty in Latin America, and it presents several threats to overall health and social development.