Born With a Cleft Lip and Palate — After Countless Surgeries, She Finally Shared How Her Life Had Changed

When Amara was born in Mexico, she had a visible facial difference that would shape much of her childhood.

She had a cleft lip and palate, a congenital condition in which parts of the upper lip and roof of the mouth do not join completely during pregnancy.

Her family began seeking medical treatment while she was still a baby, unaware that her journey would eventually involve years of surgeries, international travel and speech therapy.

A Medical Journey That Began in Infancy

Amara received treatment for her cleft lip and palate in Mexico during her early childhood.

However, repeated medical appointments and procedures were not always easy for her.

Some previous healthcare experiences left her feeling anxious about future treatment.

Her family continued searching for specialized care, hoping to find a medical team that could support both her physical recovery and emotional well-being.

A Journey From Mexico to Texas

Through a family friend, Amara’s relatives learned about Shriners Children’s Texas.

She first arrived at the hospital in June 2019, when she was 11 years old.

There, she began receiving care from Dr. Kamal Busaidy, a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Amara gradually developed trust in the team, who helped her understand each stage of her treatment.

Her family continued traveling from Mexico to Texas several times a year for appointments and procedures.

More Operations Than She Can Count

Over the following years, Amara underwent repeated procedures to address her cleft-related medical needs.

During one particularly demanding year, she traveled for treatment approximately ten times because of two separate surgeries.

Alongside surgical care, she worked with speech-language pathologist Rachel Hogan to support her communication development.

The process required patience, determination and continued support from her family.

Although the operations were difficult, Amara gradually became more comfortable with the medical team and more confident in herself.

One Final Procedure Remains

When Shriners Children’s shared her story in August 2026, Amara was 18 years old and had recently graduated from high school.

Her most recent operation had taken place earlier that spring.

According to the hospital, only one final planned procedure remained before she would graduate from its care program.

Looking back, Amara credited the medical staff with helping her feel supported throughout years of treatment.

She also shared a lighthearted detail about her recovery routine: ice cream was always her favorite companion after surgery.

Looking Ahead to a Future Beyond Treatment

Amara is now considering attending college and has expressed an interest in studying law and human rights advocacy.

Outside her medical appointments, she enjoys drawing, crafts, reading and experimenting with makeup.

Her story reflects the long-term nature of cleft lip and palate treatment, which can involve far more than a single operation during infancy.

For Amara, years of specialist care helped her move toward adulthood with greater confidence and new ambitions.

Source: Shriners Children’s, August 30, 2026 — Years of Care, Confidence and a Little Bit of Ice Cream.