Meet Manny Ventura

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Remi Jones: Tell me your story Manny

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It all started this March when I looked in the mirror just before turning 28 and I asked myself... who am I? What do I have all these scars on my face? See, I was born with a cleft lip and palate and needed 5 surgeries on my face to repair my smile. My parents never explained to me why I was born with a cleft and why I needed all these surgeries including a hip bone removed and fatty tissues removed and inserted in my palate and lip.

I decided to take matters into my own hands to figure out my own personal answers. I called the doctor who performed the surgeries on me, whom I only twice in my life: once as a baby and at age 14 for 20minutes before going under the knife. Nervously, I called his office and was able to tell him that I needed to know who I was.... he was able to show me baby pictures I never had before in my life and tell me all the procedures that happened to me. At that point, I knew I needed to do something big to make a big change and help other kids born just like me get the surgery they need to smile. I decided to run a 100 Miles (5k every day)For The month of July to raise funds for kids born with a cleft and a craniofacial difference. So I set out on this journey to give it all I got to raise funds and awareness for kids born just like me.

Here are the facts:

-1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft

-There is no cure for being born with a cleft; just a repair

-Most families can’t afford the surgery and therefore never get the surgery

I set a big challenge to myself to raise as much funds as I can and really make the biggest Impact I can to raise awareness for the cause...

So far my story as been featured on ABC 6, I Heart Radio, Poder 1110am, and Runner’s World and 100.3 FM called this week!

To help Manny on his journey check out the go fund me page to donate https://gf.me/u/x67wmc

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