Peruvian Cleft Lip and Palate Leader Visits Toronto

TORONTO, March 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Transforming Faces (TF) is a Canadian charity that works with local partners to provide multidisciplinary cleft care in developing countries. Maria Teresa Torres de Salcedo, from Lima, Peru, has inspired many patients and their families with her humble and determined approach.

Peru has one of the highest rates of cleft lip and palate in South America, occurring in one of every 500 live births. A major barrier to care was the lengthy transportation times faced by families.

Maria Teresa created KusiRostros, a nonprofit that provides cleft lip and palate rehabilitation services through four community rehabilitation centers (CRCs), which have allowed families to receive free treatment close to home. 

In the first year, a total of 240 children were treated through four CRCs and an additional CRC was added to meet demand. The travel times have been cut from 2 hours to 20 minutes for most families. 

"Maria Teresa has been a driving force in cleft care in Peru. She has inspired and empowered many people while also ensuring that children get the best possible care," said Esteban Lasso, TF's Executive Director.

Maria Teresa has been chosen as the recipient of the 2014 CPF Leadership Award. The CPF Leadership Award recognizes an individual or group that has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership on behalf of individuals with cleft or craniofacial anomalies.  She will be honoured at the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) annual award luncheon in Indianapolis on Thursday March 27, 2014.

Maria Teresa will be visiting Toronto from March 17-21, 2014 and is available for interviews.  For more information about Maria Teresa, please click here. 

About Transforming Faces

Transforming Faces is a Canadian charity that empowers local multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free comprehensive cleft lip and palate care for children and adults in developing countries. This allows children to live full, healthy lives. TF partners with KusiRostros in Peru. Visit www.transformingfaces.org for more information.

SOURCE: Transforming Faces Worldwide

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Debbie Silva, Communications Coordinator 
Transforming Faces 
344 Bloor Street West, Suite 208 
Toronto, Ontario 
M5S 3A7 
416 222 6581 
[email protected] 
www.transformingfaces.org