Duke Cleft and Craniofacial Center

10/20/2026

Look at our girls - all grown up!! Sadie and Charlotte - we can't wait to see you soon!

From toddler cowboy boots to confidently navigating the world. There is nothing quite like watching our kids grow up right before our eyes. (yet Dr. Marcus and Ana Maria look exactly the same) :)

10/18/2026

Chelsea and Ana-Maria - two of our super-star nurse practitioners- with Siera cheering them on- presented last week at the NC NAPNAP conference!!! On our Cleft and Craniofacial Team!!!

Look at the diagram. That is a great depiction of our Wednesdays, isn't it?! 😍

We are SO PROUD of them. (they did not even coordinate their outfits, if you can believe it- they are just that "in sync". 💚🖤Thank you for respresenting our team so well- and spreading knowledge about cleft and craniofacial differences to the broader community!

10/16/2026

It's Chelsey and Leo!! Chelsey is mom to Leo who is part of our Team. We are so excited that Chelsey is speaking at Virtual Cleft Con 2026 on October 17! This free, one-day virtual event brings together the global cleft community to share stories, experiences, resources, and support.

Join Chelsey and others from around the world for a day of connection, learning, and community! Whether you’re personally affected by cleft, a parent or caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more, there’s something for everyone.

Register for free: https://www.airmeet.com/e/e9c2f8c0-a4de-11f1-8ea1-31fd900afede?utm_source=Team

10/05/2026

This is Jesus, and he is just precious. His family is diligent and doting. Thank you to all our families who trust our hands, our training, and our process every day. We really care about you and are so proud to partner with you.

10/02/2026

Happy World Smile Day 2026! We are smiling at speech therapy, at school, in our homes, in the car...our dogs and stuffies are smiling. I have been overwhelmed at the response throughout our community today - everyone talking about how we are all different and our differences make us all beautiful and amazing. Remember back to the first celebration of Smile Together's World Smile Day in 2019- on Duke's campus. Over 7 years we have grown, we have connected and we really do have so much to smile about.

10/01/2026

World Smile Day is tomorrow! Your Team is ready! (and the ortho team has t-shirts giving a preview of this year's Halloween costume! look closely...)

09/30/2026

Oh we are so PROUD! Ana-Maria recieved her special award at a luncheon last week as part of "National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week". (the award is glass and hard to see- so there is a little close up of it :) lol)
We are so grateful to all our APPs who work as part of our team. They schedule surgeries, see patients, and answer questions, among many other things. Their dedication, deep caring, and passion for their work makes them invaluable to our team. Thank you for all you do!!

09/28/2026

Hi Team, World Smile Day is Friday!! Can't wait to share some smiles!! I can still send you some stickers!! Let me know if you want some!!

1 week away! Have you ordered your stickers for World Smile Day!?

Every sticker spreads our mission, celebrates individuality, and encourages a smile.

Hand out stickers for World Smile Day at school, in your office or neighborhood to spark conversations and encourage support for our kids and the entire craniofacial community. Don't forget to take a selfie and tag us and to share your smile with everyone!

Share your support, get your stickers here: https://bit.ly/worldsmileday26

09/14/2026

Time moves quickly between appointments. Even when they are years apart! It feels like just yesterday Isaiah was a tiny boy coming to his Team visits. Today, he walked in and is officially taller (like way-officially) than Dr. Marcus. 😂It’s a great reminder of how far he has come!

Navigating a cleft journey is a continuous process, but Isaiah sure reminds us of all the great things waiting on the other side of the hard days. 💙

09/12/2026

World Smile Day is coming.... we can't wait to spread smiles and acceptance on October 2!!

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Building connections, encouraging friendships and promoting confidence.

Mark your calendars for Friday, Oct 2nd and celebrate with us! Grab your sticker kit to spread acceptance in your community: https://www.smiletogether.gives/event/wsd2026/