One-To-One Networking

“AboutFace connected me with three mothers who also had babies born with clefts. The connection is exactly what I needed to help me understand and embrace my new challenge.”

-Mother of a prenatally-diagnosed baby

At AboutFace, linking families, adults and teenagers who share similar concerns is one of our most important programs. For each of us, talking to someone who understands can be the first step in accepting yourself and your facial difference. Knowing you are not alone is empowering and builds a foundation of acceptance and support.

Peer-to-peer networking is the process of supporting each other. It means sharing our strengths, finding pride in our differences and taking a perceived negative and making it a positive.

Families tell us “…for the first time we knew other people who had the same worries and fears for their child.” Many adult members tell us that for the first time, they have found someone who “really understands.”

We connect AboutFace members from across Canada and internationally through e-mail, telephone and personal visits. If you would like to participate in our Networking Program please fill out and return the appropriate Networking Form to our office. You can also choose to connect immediately with one of our volunteers listed below. We will then send you a Networking Form from our office to confirm your registration in the program.

Parent Networking Volunteers

Donna Bantis, Toronto, ON
Mother to Evan born 03.29.2000 with a Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
donnab@aboutfaceinternational.org

Kim McMullen (Community Representative) Cambridge, ON
Mother to Megan born 08.23.2003 with Crouzon Syndrome
kim.aboutface@yahoo.ca

Celina Hall (Community Representative) Terrace, BC
Mother to Karissa born 01.16.2005 with a Hemangioma
celina.aboutface@yahoo.ca

Leanne Popko (Community Representative) Calgary, AB
Mother to Hannah born 07.03.2004 with a Port Wine Stain
leanne.aboutface@yahoo.ca

Sharon Willey (Community Representative) Edmonton, AB
Mother to Emma born 12.18.2002 with a Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
sharon.aboutface@yahoo.ca

Ivy Yu (Community Representative) Vancouver, BC
Mother to Karena born 10.09.2002 with a Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
ivy.aboutface@yahoo.ca

Teenagers

We require parental consent before networking teens. Please return your completed Networking Form to our office and we will contact you.

Adult Networking Volunteers

Sabine Harmouche (Community Representative) Toronto, ON
Born 08.03.1973 with a Cleft Lip.
sabine.aboutface@yahoo.ca