The Peer Foundation

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects involving the upper lip and roof of the mouth. The problem can vary from a small notch in the lip to a groove that runs into the roof of the mouth and nose, affecting a child's appearance. It can also lead to trouble with eating such as malnutrition, speaking and ear infections. Cleft lip & palate are among the most common innate deformities affecting an estimated one in 700 newborns worldwide. In the United States, these impediments are typically treated within the first 12 months of life. That is not the case for children around the globe.

These congenital anomalies vary in severity and there are many factors that can contribute to their development. Besides being a health risk for children it can also cause teasing and bullying and has a great psychological and financial impact on the family. For the child, the facial deformity leads to ridicule and isolation. The good news is that a single operation can transform the child to a normal appearance.

Established in 1995, by the late Dr. Lyndon Peer, a world renowned plastic surgeon and pioneer in cleft lip & palate reconstruction, The Peer Foundation is dedicated to supporting the research and treatment of cleft lip and palate around the world. Joining him in this foundation are a number of trained doctors in the specialty including doctors David Lange and Isaac Starker, from The Peer Group for plastic surgery located in Florham Park, NJ.

These doctors have donated their time and experience traveling around the world to operate on patients and train local physicians in the repair of cleft lip and palate. With outside support and donations the work of Dr. Peer can continue through The Educational Foundation of the Plastic Surgery Society, which provides a yearly fellowship to two foreign plastic surgeons, committed to returning to their homeland, to treat those affected with this deformity and train other surgeons.

Children around the world affected by this can benefit from the global reach of the Peer Foundation and its dedicated team. To learn more on this organization or how you can help please contact The Peer Foundation for Plastic Surgery and Rehabilitation at 973-822-3000.

Sponsored doctors: Dr.'s Murod Mirzakhidovich Jafarov,from Uzbekistan (Left) and Dr. Daniela Yukie Sakai Tanikawa, from Brazil (Right) with Dr. Isaac Starker of The Peer Group (Center)