Long Island NY Orthodontist Dr Leon Klempner Appeals for Support Treating Facial Deformities in Nairobi, Kenya

    MEDFORD, NY, January 24, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There are millions of children with unrepaired cleft palates and lips who have little to no prospect of ever being helped. Their parents are so poor, they could never afford surgery. So they wait, they hope, and they pray that someday, someone will come along and help them.

Dr Leon Klempner an orthodontist on Long Island NY, his wife Laurie Klempner an R.N., Dr Alex Dagum a plastic surgeon, Jamie Barbera and audiologist and Kerri Ann Elorriaga a speech and language therapist of Stony Brook University Hospital have volunteered to help.

They are joining forces with Smile Train and traveling to St. Gertrude's Children's Hospital to train doctors in local areas of Nairobi, Kenya how to repair cleft lips/palates. The good news is every single child with a cleft can be helped with surgery that costs as little as $250 and takes as little as 45 minutes.

Clefts are a major problem in developing countries where there are millions of children who are suffering with unrepaired clefts. Most cannot eat or speak properly, aren't allowed to attend school, or even hold a job. They face very difficult lives filled with shame, isolation, pain and heartache.

This is Dr Klemnper's eleventh trip overseas helping children afflicted with facial deformities. His passion is helping children with cleft palate and lip defects. "These kids have it really tough," comments Dr. Klempner. "Basic functions that we take for granted such as eating, speaking, or just drinking water is a real challenge."

Dr. Klempner and his colleagues are asking for your support with donations for much needed supplies and toys for these children when they visit Nairobi. Every little bit counts for the underprivileged children who rely on your donations to lead a normal life. They will be leaving for Nairobi on February 25th, 2010.

"Donations of any size are appreciated. With everyone's combined efforts, we can make a big difference," reports Dr. Klempner. "It's an amazing experience every time I venture out to one of these underdeveloped countries. Doctors are eager to learn and take advantage of every opportunity we offer."

To support our efforts at St Gertrude's Children's Hospital, please send your much appreciated donations before Feb 25, 2010 to:

Stony Brook Foundation Acct#270810
Stony Brook University Hospital
Speech and Hearing Department
Attn: Jamie
33 Research Way - Suite #4
East Setauket, NY 11733

After Feb 25th, please send your donations through the Smile Train website.

Orthodontists Dr. Leon Klempner and Dr. David Amram of Coolsmiles Orthodontics provide expert orthodontic care in the Long Island, NY area offering the latest in state of the art braces and Invisalign for patients who don't want to look like they are wearing braces. They have two locations; 1645 Route 112 Medford, NY (631-289-0909) and 656 Main Street Port Jefferson, NY (631-928-9800). Contact either location for a complimentary new patient consultation. For more information, visit their website at www.coolsmiles.com or their blog www.bracesbycoolsmiles.com

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