Care for All
make a difference
Impact for Children
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
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 PMMeadowbrook 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 & RSVPGolf Tournament
May 12, 2025 / 8:30 AM - 6:00 PMLakewood 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 & RSVP2025 Forever Smiles Foundation Gala
October 10, 2025 / 6:00 PM - 11:00 PMUnion 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 & RSVPFaces of Hope
Transformations and Triumphs
2024 – 2026 Board Members
Co-Founder
Patrick Christopher MD, DDS
Patrick Christopher MD, DDS
Co-Founder
Dr. Christopher is a distinguished, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive training in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery, supported by rigorous fellowship preparation. His expertise goes beyond technical skill; it is complemented by a profound commitment to pediatric patients affected by cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, benign pediatric pathologies, and a wide range of both syndromic and non-syndromic craniofacial anomalies throughout all stages of development, from infancy to adulthood.
As the Medical Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Dr. Christopher takes immense pride in providing compassionate, comprehensive care to children across the greater Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding regions. His leadership fosters an environment where each child receives individualized attention tailored to their specific medical needs.
Dr. Christopher’s commitment to serving children with cleft and craniofacial differences extends beyond geographical boundaries and is deeply influenced by his personal experiences. Growing up amid the challenges in South Sudan, he witnessed the severe impact of inadequate healthcare resources, which ignited a lifelong passion to use his surgical expertise to support underserved communities both locally and internationally. Each year, he dedicates numerous trips to perform free cleft lip and palate repairs and pediatric surgeries for children in need around the world, underscoring his unwavering dedication to this mission.
Co-Founder
Robert Weiss MD, DDS
Robert Weiss MD, DDS
Co-Founder
Dr. Weiss is a distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon with advanced fellowship training and specialized expertise in pediatric oral, cleft, and craniofacial surgery. His practice offers a comprehensive range of oral and maxillofacial surgical services, including complex dentoalveolar procedures, implant surgeries, facial trauma management, treatment of benign pathologies, and orthognathic surgeries. He is an integral member of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where he significantly contributes to the provision of multidisciplinary care.
Originally from Saint Louis, Dr. Weiss pursued an extensive and varied medical education across several states, including Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, and Florida, before establishing his practice in Kansas City. He began his academic journey at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering. He then graduated at the top of his class from the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry. His advanced education continued at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he earned his M.D., followed by a rigorous residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Texas A&M Health Science Center in Dallas, Texas. This residency included extensive training in both anesthesiology and general surgery and concluded with a highly regarded surgical fellowship at the Florida Craniofacial Institute, further honing his expertise in pediatric surgical care.
Dr. Weiss has devoted his career to the care of children with cleft and craniofacial anomalies. His dedication to this cause is exemplified by his commitment to providing exceptional care to pediatric patients both locally and internationally.
Rick L. Armstrong
Rick L. Armstrong
Rick has over 37 years of law enforcement experience and became President and CEO of the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission in January 2016. This historic nonprofit, founded in 1949, enhances community safety through innovative programs such as Crime Stoppers, the SAFE program for families of fallen officers, community service initiatives, and a reentry program for returning felons. Under his leadership, annual fundraising increased from $120,000 in 2016 to $1.3 million in 2024.
Previously, Rick served as Chief of Police for the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District, where he led the transition to a sworn police department, and as Chief of Police for Kansas City, Kansas, where he managed a $54 million budget and achieved a 41% reduction in violent crime from 2008 to 2012.
He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts in Management from MidAmerica Nazarene University, along with credentials from the FBI National Academy and the Law Enforcement Leadership School.
Joshua Houtz
Joshua Houtz
Currently serving as the Senior Vice President at First Citizens Bank, Joshua brings a wealth of experience amassed over nine years with the institution. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance, exemplified by the prestigious 2020 Chairman’s Award, recognizing him as the top business banker in the country.
With a comprehensive background spanning 25 years in banking, including 20 years of specialized experience in commercial banking, Joshua has acquired the insights necessary to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver exceptional value to clients.
On a personal note, Joshua is married to Tracy Houtz, and together they are the proud parents of their son, Cason, and their daughter, Carley. Born in 2020 at just 23 weeks, Carley demonstrated remarkable resilience during her six-month stay in the NICU, embodying the strength and spirit that inspire Joshua’s professional and personal endeavors.
Tim Tumminia
Tim Tumminia
Tim is a Certified Public Accountant (KS and MO) with over nine years of experience in the accounting and finance industry. Currently serving as the Corporate Controller at The Wilbert Group, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, he manages and oversees the company’s accounting, financial reporting, inventory costing, and accounts payable operations. Additionally, he supports all finance functions, including treasury, budgeting, and credit & collections. The Wilbert Group is a precast concrete and service provider that serves the funeral services, building trades, and agricultural markets, offering a range of manufactured concrete products such as burial vaults, monuments, lawn crypts, septic tanks, retaining walls, storm shelters, and agricultural precast products.
Prior to joining The Wilbert Group, Tim spent over seven years at Ernst & Young (EY) in the Assurance Service (Audit) practice, serving clients across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, minerals & mining, midstream oil & gas, and healthcare. EY is a global leader in professional services, providing assurance, tax, consulting, and transactional services. During his tenure, Tim managed and executed integrated audits for two U.S. publicly traded companies (including SOX testing and compliance efforts), served as lead executive on multiple defined benefit plan audits, and supervised SEC public filings, including 10-K (annual), 10-Q (quarterly), 11-K (defined contribution plan), S-3 (securities registration statement), S-4 (business combinations), and S-8 (employee equity issuance).
Tim attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, he now resides in Overland Park, KS, with his wife and two sons.
Heather Calvert
Heather Calvert
With over 30 years of experience in marketing, Heather has dedicated her career to enhancing brand visibility and driving impactful communications. As a seasoned Director of Marketing/PR, she has successfully navigated roles in Account and Brand Management, Non-Profit Fundraising, and Event Marketing. Currently, she is enjoying her role as PR & Marketing Coordinator for Facial Surgery Group. Prior to that, she served as an Account Manager for a digital marketing agency, where she honed her skills in the ever-evolving landscape of digital outreach. Before that, Heather spent three years as a Marketing Director in the medical and aesthetics industry, focusing on elevating brand narratives and connecting with diverse audiences. She was a “stay-at-home” mom for almost 10 years, and during that time, she was rarely at home. She worked with various local charities, multiple schools and churches, and sports organizations to increase their visibility and raise funds. Throughout her career, she has tackled a variety of communication and publicity challenges, helping celebrities, Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, medical professionals, and small businesses find their voice and make a meaningful difference.
On a personal note, Heather is a proud Midwesterner, born and raised in Branson, Missouri, where she learned the importance of hospitality. After pursuing her college education in Washington, DC, she returned to Branson and, since 1997, has called Prairie Village home. It has been the ideal place to raise two wonderful children, Clayton and Delaney. As a “retired sports mom,” Heather still enjoys the thrill of competition, now cheering on local professional sports teams. She loves embarking on road trips, spending days on the lake, exploring the culinary delights of Kansas City, and enjoying live music and local dive bars.
Heather is very excited to bring her passion for community engagement and her extensive event marketing expertise to the foundation, working together to create lasting change for children and families locally and globally!
Christine Ryan
Christine Ryan
Christine, a Midwest native, recently relocated to Kansas City from Arizona with her husband, Todd, and their two children. A graduate of Boston College and the University of Arizona with a degree in Political Science and Business, Christine also earned an MBA in International Marketing and Finance from the University of San Diego.
Passionate about travel and cultural experiences, Christine has dedicated much of her time to helping children in need. She has volunteered with organizations like Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the Dream Factory of Kansas City Gala, providing comfort and support to vulnerable children. In Arizona, she founded a charity focused on serving underprivileged children with disabilities, ensuring they had access to essential rehabilitative services.
Christine is excited to bring her commitment to philanthropy and community service to her new home in Kansas City.
Patrick Rafferty
Patrick Rafferty
Patrick Rafferty became Chief Operating Officer at Overland Park Regional Medical Center (OPRMC) in October 2023, where he also serves as the Ethics and Compliance Officer for the facility. Prior to joining the ORPMC team Patrick served as the Chief Operating Officer at TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center in Tennessee for almost four years.
As COO of Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Patrick oversees hospital operations including surgical services, cardiovascular services, imaging services, laboratory services, trauma services, rehab services, oncology services, construction, plant operations, security, environmental services, and food & nutrition services. Patrick also supports the hospital freestanding emergency rooms in Olathe and Shawnee.
Rafferty earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry at the University of Illinois and his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Iowa. He is a graduate of the HCA Executive Development Program and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Patrick has served on the Middle TN Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Executive Committee and the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Rafferty and his wife, Hayley, reside in Overland Park, KS with their two daughters.
