Cleft lip and palate patients invited to picnic on July 12 in All-American Park

QUINCY — Anyone who has been treated for cleft lip or palate, or other craniofacial conditions, is welcome to attend the first Blessing Health System Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies Patient Picnic to recognize National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month.

The picnic for patients and their families will be held on Saturday, July 12, in All-American Park on the riverfront in Quincy, between noon and 2 p.m. The picnic will feature family fun for all ages, including face painting, prizes and more. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m.

The event is free. Reservations are appreciated, but not required. Go to events/blessinghealth.org to reserve a space at the picnic.

Craniofacial disorders involve malformation of head and facial bones. Cleft lip is an opening or split in the upper lip, and cleft palate is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth. They result when facial structures that are developing in an unborn baby don’t close completely. Cleft lip and palate can occur individually or together. The Centers for Disease Control reports that cleft conditions affect about 1 in every 1,700 babies born in the United States.

Led by Dr. Arshad Muzaffar, Blessing Health System has the only care team in the region to hold “Cleft Palate Team” recognition from the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association for meeting its standards, making it one of approximately 200 approved teams in the United States and Canada.

Dr. Muzaffar earned his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He went on to complete two fellowships, including one in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. He is double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.