Transforming lives, one smile at a time Comprehensive Cleft and Craniofacial
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Forever Smiles Foundation

Our Mission is Simple: To Restore Smiles and Hope

The Forever Smiles Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives through comprehensive cleft and craniofacial care, with a global commitment to alleviating the financial burden many families face. We strive to:

  • Provide high-quality surgical interventions and comprehensive treatment for individuals with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial differences.
  • Mobilize donations and financial resources to serve children both domestically and internationally, ensuring that no family is denied care due to financial constraints or geographic location.
  • Empower patients and families through education, support, and resources throughout their journey.
  • Advance craniofacial care through education, research, innovation, and professional development.
  • Collaborate with local and global partners to extend our reach and impact, ensuring quality care is accessible to those in need regardless of geographic or economic barriers.

Through these efforts and the generous support of our donors, we aim to restore smiles, build confidence, and create lasting positive change in the lives of individuals and communities affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions.

About the Founding Doctors

Dr. Robert O. Weiss II, MD, DDS

Dr. Weiss is a Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgeon with surgical expertise in cleft lip and palate, cranial vault reconstruction, and maxillofacial pathology. He holds privileges at several hospitals in the greater Kansas City area, with his advanced practice to include pediatric oral surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, corrective jaw surgery, and craniofacial trauma. He just experienced his first cleft clinic mission trip to Africa and can’t wait to go back again! He is one of the few surgeons in the country with a comprehensive background in surgery, medicine, dentistry, and biomedical engineering. He has lectured nationally and authored numerous manuscripts, abstracts, and chapters. When not at the hospital, Dr. Weiss enjoys time in the great outdoors with his wife and three boys, fishing, and cheering on his local sports teams.

Dr. Patrick D. Christopher, MD, DDS

Dr. Christopher is a board-certified and fellowship-trained Cleft & Craniofacial surgeon. He is proud to serve as the Medical Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. He completed his Residency at UMKC School of Medicine and fellowship in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery at Charleston Area Medical Center. He specializes in cleft lip and cleft palate repair, craniosynostosis and a variety of syndromic and non-syndromic craniofacial anomalies from birth to adulthood.

In addition, Dr. Christopher also has expertise in Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery), facial trauma reconstruction, and benign pediatric and adult facial pathology. Dr. Christopher is extremely passionate about serving children with Cleft & Craniofacial differences both locally and internationally. He continues to travel internationally multiple times a year to provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries to patients in Africa and Central America.

More About the Mission

Conditions Treated

  • Cleft Lip & Palate
  • Plagiocephaly
  • Craniosynostosis
  • Pierre Robin Sequence
  • Cranial Molding Helmet
  • Comprehensive Facial Trauma

  • & More!

  • Craniofacial Anomalies
  • Hemifacial Microsomia
  • Hypernasal Speech
  • Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI)
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

  • Apert, Crouzon, TCS Syndrome

Foundation Goals

  • Financial Support for Families

  • Emotional Support for Patients & Families

  • Educational Resources for Families

  • Secure Partnerships with Key Healthcare Providers

  • Domestic & International Campaigns to Raise Awareness

  • Fellowships & Advanced Education for Physicians

What is a cleft lip?

A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip. A cleft lip can range in size from a small notch in the red portion of the lip, called the vermillion, to a complete separation that extends to the bottom of the nose. A cleft can occur on one side of the lip, called unilateral, or on both sides, called bilateral. A cleft can also occur in the gums where the teeth will grow.

A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. A cleft palate can occur in the bony, front part of the palate, called the hard palate, in the fleshy, flexible, back part of the palate, called the soft palate, or in both parts. A person can be born with cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.

Why Your Support
Matters

You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health
problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

Every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft lip or palate somewhere in the world

1 in 700 children are born with a cleft lip or palate and go without proper treatment due to financial and geographical barriers

Children who receive early cleft repair surgery are 90% more likely to lead normal, healthy lives

Help Us Spread Smiles at Upcoming Events

Your Support Creates Brighter Futures for Children in Need

Trivia Night - The Show Must Go On

March 1, 2025 / 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Meadowbrook Clubhouse
9101 Nall Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66207

Trivia Night - The Show Must Go On

Gather your friends and get ready for a night of fun and friendly competition! Join us for an unforgettable trivia night where your favorite classic TV shows, movies, and stage productions take center stage.

Learn More & RSVP

Golf Tournament

May 12, 2025 / 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Lakewood Oaks Country Club
651 NE St. Andrews Cir, Lee's Summit, MO 64116

Golf Tournament

Get ready to hit the greens for a great cause at our Charity Golf Tournament! This is your chance to enjoy 18 holes of championship golf while supporting Forever Smiles Foundation.

Learn More & RSVP

2025 Forever Smiles Foundation Gala

October 10, 2025 / 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Union Station Grand Plaza
30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

2025 Forever Smiles Foundation Gala

Join us for a night of elegance and philanthropy at our Formal Gala, dedicated to supporting the incredible work of the Forever Smiles Foundation. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Learn More & RSVP

Faces of Hope

Transformations and Triumphs

Ways to Support Us

Donations

Volunteering

Partnerships

2024 – 2026 Board Members

Co-Founder

Patrick Christopher MD, DDS

Co-Founder

Robert Weiss MD, DDS

Rick L. Armstrong

Joshua Houtz

Tim Tumminia

Heather Calvert

Christine Ryan