My grandkids Jack and Addie have been BLESSED with an awesome cousin... Elizabeth Alberti~ E is one of the most amazing, creative, funny and inspired 10 year olds I know!

Elizabeth was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Her 7th surgery is coming up this summer and she was starting to feel some "angst" due to the fact that she knew what lay ahead. This kid is so cool~ she decided that focusing on herself wasn't a good use of her energy...

"Having a cleft hasn't been easy. I've been through a lot of rough procedures, and this upcoming surgery has me thinking about all the kids who desperately want to have a cleft surgery, but don't have the medical care they need. I think that having a cleft puts me in a unique position to really help others. And I like to think that because I was born with this birth defect, other kids with clefts will have a better life. Will you support me by becoming a TEAM E member to raise money, or contribute to my Smile Fund?

I said "HECK YEAH, E!" and have created my Smile Fund to raise money for Operation Smile – a global medical nonprofit organization that provides free surgeries for children around the world born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities.

Every three minutes a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate – and many families can't afford the surgery they desperately need. In many places, children with cleft conditions are abandoned or abused. Many times they have trouble eating and drinking and can struggle to survive. Those that do can face a lifetime of shame and torment.

They need our help.

Will you help Elizabeth and me bring hope and new smiles to children suffering from facial deformities by supporting my fundraising goal?

For as little as $240 and in as few as 45 minutes, Operation Smile can provide life-changing surgery – and renewed hope – for children around the world. Please, consider making your tax-deductible gift today.

Thank you!

Kim