Is MiCleft a state-funded program?
No. We do, however, communicate with several state resource representatives, are listed as a state-wide resource on government sites and are being allowed to display MiCleft literature in several facilities. There are plans in the works, but you'll have to wait till mid February for the official announcement! View Questions

How is MiCleft funded? What is your non-profit status?
The Michigan Cleft Network and MiCleft.org web site design were developed and initially financed by the founder, Teresa Croughen. MiCleft relies on network participants, members of our communities and medical professionals/companies gifts and donations.
We are a non-profit organization in the process of securing a 501(c)3 license. We cannot offer tax-exemption for donations at this time, however, need all the help we can get!  We greatly appreciate all donations, large and small.  Contributors can specify how the gift is distributed. For example, they can make donations to the network as a whole, or they can specify that it be used for postage or parking fees.
We are always eager to speak with companies interested in sponsoring or endorsing MiCleft, offering large donations or grants.
Donations can be made by US Postal Service or on-line via PayPal through our pathfinder partners AboutFaceUSA and cleftAdvocate.
The time involved in becoming a 501(c)3 organization can be anywhere from 1-4 years.  There are also large expenses included; legal fees, administration; securing a board of directors, documentation fees and more. Please contact MiCleft for mailing address and PayPal information today!

Will MiCleft services always be free of charge? Is my son's surgeon paying for this site?
Participating in site activities and services will always be available with no fees to you or your child's doctor. We do, often promote and announce outside resources but, we do not manage, nor have control over associated fees. Examples of such notice might be: new cleft organizations, fundraiser's, supplies at discounted prices, conferences, food drives, etc. View Questions

How are you affiliated with cleftAdvocate?
MiCleft is a Pathfinder Partner Organization, and program of cleftAdvocate. We work in conjunction with cleftAdvocate's Pathfinder Outreach Network.  MiCleft is the Michigan-based network. We refer to our Michigan Pathfinders as 'MiCleft Angels' and Network Volunteers Click here for more information on cleftAdvocate's nation-wide coverage. View Questions

Can I be a MiCleft Angel, Network Volunteer AND a cleftAdvocate Pathfinder?
Absolutely! MiCleft focuses on families in Michigan and surrounding states; whereas cleftAdvocate is nation-wide. There could be several people across the US that are following your footsteps and could use your help! View Questions

I'd love to help other families, how do I get started?
Simply complete this volunteer form and we can start networking you with area families!  We also suggest you include yourself in cleftAdvocate's national database, making yourself available to those outside of Michigan. You can do this by completing a cleftAdvocate Pathfinder agreement here.
View Questions

How much experience do people need to have before they can become a MiCleft Angel or a Network Volunteer?
First of all, there is no 'one person with all the answers.' Everyone has different opinions and beliefs based upon their personal experience. The main criteria for matching families is based upon: location, the child's health issues, family compatibility, available resources, and being 'ahead' of the participant.
View Questions

I love the idea of having a MiCleft web page for my nephew but my brother doesn't have a computer. Can I set one up for him?
Sure! There are several ways to set up a MiCleft web page. Participants, like you, can complete the web page form here, can request the application process be completed via the US Mail, the form can be printed from any computer with access to a printer and the internet, or complete the process by phone appointment!
MiCleft has taken the time of researching hosts, search engine submittals, and hard work of layout design, off your hands. Your only job is providing us with page content and any future updates and/or changes. You, nor your nephew, need a computer to share your story, experience, contact info, photos, etc with others on the world wide web. Remember, you will have a 'personal web address' that can be shared with friends, relatives and anyone else you'd like to have access. Think of the web page as your personal space in a world-wide phone book! View Questions

I've got several baby items that I'm no longer using. Is there a need for nicely used Habermans? I also have clothing, carrier, swing, etc.
If your child was born with cleft lip and palate, you know that special feeding units are expensive. We welcome all 'gently used' gifts. Someone from the administrative team will either pick up items at your convenience or arrange shipping, no charge to you of course. MiCleft can 'hold' these items until they are needed by a family or you can place a free listing advertisement in our FreeOrCheap area of the Community Forum. The same options hold true for general baby items. There are several families that are in great need of diapers, formula, toys, clothing and baby essentials. For more information on donating OR getting personal assistance to your needs, contact MiCleft. View Questions

I'm interested in the free MiCleft email offer. Can I use it for things like shopping on-line and as an email contact when filling out forms?
Yes. Your address will be accepted and can be used whenever and wherever you like. Getting your account is easy. Read our Email Terms of Use, and then go here to submit your account request! View Questions

My sister doesn't have a computer, is there a way to communicate via snail mail?
Of course! We would be happy to contact her by US Mail or by phone. If interested, we'll match her to a MiCleft Angel, who can help out with initiating any/all services that she's interested in.
If you'd like to get things rolling for her, simply complete and submit this MiCleft Form on her behalf. If possible, we'd also appreciate any additional information that you think may be useful. For example: no home computer, she's expecting, interest in specific services, there are feeding problems, she works midnights...etc. View Questions

Your main page says that you might be able to help me with insurance battles. Can you tell me where that information or page is?
There isn't a specific area that lists all possible insurance situations for several reasons. There are literally thousands of insurance companies, each with separate plans of coverage; within those coverage plans are regions and networks, each state has individual guidelines, and each patient has their individual health history.
cleftAdvocate has listed standard, yet essential, insurance information and sample letters that can be used during the approval appeal process. You can also submit specific questions to MiCleft and we will ask the 'insurance lady,' who at this time, prefers to remain anonymous. This individual has been working in a medical facility, specifically in claims/referrals and insurance negotiation for nearly 25 years; understanding Michigan HMO's and the states community health structure. Lastly, feel free to ask your questions in the community forum and through your mail subscription. We also suggest talking to MiCleft participants in your area; they may have already gone through the process in that area's insurance network. View Questions

I live in a rural area of the U.P. but would like to how help another Mom. Do you know anyone else near Wisconsin?
MiCleft tries to match families that live close to each other, but that is not our highest priority. Matching families with similar situations is. Therefore, living in a rural area will not change the fact that you can help others by phone, email, through means of MiCleft, etc. You can get started by including your family in the Gallery of Smiles and becoming a MiCleft Angel and/or a Network Volunteer . View Questions

I'm a L&D Nurse and would like to help new parents of babies born with clefts. Can you point me in the right direction?
We encourage families and medical professionals to educate and 'spread the word' to others by means of offering literature, personal stories, forwarding the MiCleft URL, etc. But getting word to employers, physicians and hospital administration is VERY IMPORTANT. Network Volunteers and Coordinators can help enable nurses and practitioners to be knowledgeable and helpful to parents of children born with clefts. Think of how grateful a new parent would be after delivery, if his/her nurse had experience feeding a newborn with a cleft palate! Pathfinder Coordinators are trained to facilitate educational classes, securing private appointments, and how best be directly involved when speaking with your co-workers. We'll also supply the facility with the essential resources and literature so new parents go home fully equipped and informed of what steps to take, involving: public assistance, insurance coverage, connecting with other families in their area, contact phone numbers and more. Please contact MiCleft or submit this form to begin your journey as a Volunteer or Coordinator! View Questions

I made the decision to not work and stay home with my son, who has a cleft. I'd like to have a in-home daycare and was wondering if
other  parents are doing this and whether or not there would be a need for such a service?
Yes! There is actually a great demand for this specialized type of child care. This topic is discussed lightly here and parents of children with other anomalies are in need of such daycare services also. Pending your location, there could already be families eager to learn more about your service. There are a few facilities existing in the state (usually via Head Start) but many parents have already voiced that they prefer an environment much like home...and by a caregiver that has personal experience caring for a child with cleft lip and palate.
Please contact MiCleft at your earliest convenience so that we can connect you to families looking for this service! View Questions

I can't afford a big donation, is there something else I can do?
The first and incredibly easy step is becoming a Network Volunteer! You can make a difference without giving us one dime.
MiCleft currently operates in an in-home office environment. As you can imagine, all donations (whether $5 or a large sum) is greatly appreciated and put to good use!  Please don't feel that you have to give a lot in order to help in great ways. Funding is needed for smaller scale tasks such as: printing, utilities, gasoline, toll-free fees, monthly phone usage, family transportation (taxi to/from hospitals), web site hosting fees, postage, and more.
MiCleft cannot offer tax-exemption for your donations at this time.  We are in the process of securing a 501(c)3 status.  Understand that becoming licensed is very expensive and we're in great need of individuals and/or companies that are willing to endorse or sponsor the MiCleft. You can also make a difference, by speaking to friends, family, co-workers, your employer and other community members about making a donation.
You can support our efforts by becoming a Network Volunteer.  Support us by donating your time and personal skills!We're in need of promotional support (speaking with professionals and families in your immediate area), help with scheduling classes, introductions and hospital visits, assistance in web site management, publishing newsletters, literature distribution, involvement with fundraisers, and many odd tasks, such as accompanying a family during clinic rotation, offering delivery service or transportion, and more.etc. There are also administrative tasks, large and small such as; answering phones, stuffing new parent packets, responding to website inquiries, inventory management of literature, feeding supplies, and more.
We're waiting to hear from you - submit this volunteer form, call 888-MICLEFT or email us today! View Questions

My daughter-n-law has been told my new grandchild will have a cleft. When should she contact MiCleft? Are grandparents welcome?
While it is still very overwhelming and scary, knowing about the anomaly during pregnancy is the most-fortunate situation for parents to be in. Pending your relationship with her, approach her with the address, http://www.micleft.org (many loved ones view the web site together) and encourage her to participate in our many free services before the baby arrives. It is never too early! MiCleft offers it's services to everyone.  We also offer layette packages and specialty gifts/programs, and a catered-match to a MiCleft Angel!
Parents can learn a lot about cleft lip and palate before the baby arrives. There are so many people that can help them be more prepared for their new arrival and also be of assistance after the birth! Whether it's researching/choosing the perfect cleft team, insurance plan, managing home medical supply, having on-hand supply of different nursers, etc...being prepared can make all the difference in the world! Expecting parents have enjoyed participating in play-groups too, which enables them to enrich relationships with other families in their area. Please have the Mom-to-be contact us at her earliest convenience by email, referral form, phone 888-MICLEFT or via this web site. We're eager to speak with her and answer any questions she may already have! View Questions

I'm a nurse at Providence and would like to help families there. Can I choose how my contribution is used?
MiCleft is happy to apply donations/contributions in specific areas where funding is needed, or to a specific hospital.  The contribution is made by you - therefore, the choice is yours. Hospitals and physicians are often silent participants in the MiCleft Parental Petty Fund. Inquire whether you can be directly involved with this emergency-relief program or if you'd like more information on how to involve your physician or medical facility - email, contact us or phone 888-MICLEFT. View Questions

We subscribe to the HONcode principles of The Health On Net Foundation

Updated 5/16/2006