Our Information Evening (17th November) was attended by some 30 people who took a very encouraging interest in the speakers’ presentations. First up was David Orr, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, who spoke of his involvement in an Operation Smile project twelve months previously in Kenya. Next up was Julie Young, Speech and Language Therapist, who spoke on feeding matters. Questions from the audience indicated a concern about the quality of advice and guidance available in maternity hospitals on feeding the child with a cleft palate.
The final speaker, Suvianna Hakalehto-Wainio, Chairperson of the Finnish Cleft Lip and Palate Association, and speaking on the Scandinavian experience and was very well received. Being a parent of a child born with a cleft, Suvianna also brought a parent’s perspective, which is one we have not had in recent years and which was most valuable for that very reason. She also had some interesting ideas in terms of future co-operation between our respective Associations.
Above L-R: Suvianna Hakalehto-Wainio, Chairperson of Finnish Cleft Lip and Palate Association, SUHUPO ry; David Orr, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Our Lady’s Hospital For Sick Children Crumlin; Julie Young, Speech and Language Therapist, Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street.
The Evening also saw the official launch of the Association’s new series of Information leaflets.
The most pleasing aspect of the evening was the willingness of the audience to become actively involved in the evenings discussions, and also in the affairs of the Association. Initiatives aimed at supporting new parents and younger people, plus a maternity hospital intiative, were the areas receiving most support.
Above: Marathon runner Ronan Ely presents the Association with a cheque for €2400. Many thanks Ronan!
Ronan travelled all the way from Cork to present the cheque. Again, many thanks Ronan.
