“Miles for Smiles: Run 50 Strong” Helping Raise Awareness and Funds for Cleft-Focused Nonprofit

The Hough family loaded up their RV for a 50-day adventure, running a 5K in each of the 50 states and the nation’s capital. | Image Credit: © Smile Train

Smile Train was back at Dentsply Sirona World last week in Las Vegas as the world’s largest cleft-focused nonprofit continues to create awareness for that great cause in this, its 25th year.

Nicole Bell, vice president of public relations for Smile Train, was thrilled to receive a $100,000 donation from Dentsply Sirona at the annual event, which was held September 26-28 at Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas. But for Bell, her team at Smile Train, and volunteers and donors around the globe, supporting the cause is an everyday affair.

Smile Train has several events each year designed to raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit. In May, the organization, hosted their 25th anniversary gala in New York City. The gala was a major milestone event, celebrating a quarter century of unwavering commitment to ensuring every person has access to high-quality comprehensive cleft care, as well as the organization’s 2 millionth surgery. Bell gets emotional when talking about the father and son in Indonesia who received free surgeries that have dramatically changed their lives for the better. That success story is just one of many that helped Smile Train reached the milestone.

One event currently taking place is a series of 5K runs around the United States.

Air Force pilot, Jeremy Hough and his wife, Kelly, along with their teen daughters, Campbell and Caroline, have embarked on an ambitious, country-wide journey. In September, the family loaded up their RV for a 50-day adventure, running a 5K in each of the 50 states and the nation’s capital.

The adventure, “Miles for Smiles: Run 50 Strong,” is aimed at raising awareness for the cleft community, connecting with other cleft-affected families, and supporting Smile Train.

“My daughter Campbell was born with a cleft. She was fortunate enough to receive some of the best care in the United States,” Jeremy Hough says in a press release. “We know that too many children around the world don’t have access to proper high-quality cleft care. We’re running to help make a difference.”

Clefts are the most common facial difference worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 700 babies, according to Smile Train. The condition can make it difficult to speak, eat, hear, and breathe.

Smile Train was spreading the good word at last week's DS World 24 in Las Vegas. | Image Credit: © Dentsply Sirona

Campbell is the inspiration for her family teaming up with Smile Train – a global organization that supports free cleft surgeries.

“I’m proud to partner with Smile Train because I know the work they do is lifesaving. As a cleft-affected person, I want to help ensure the global cleft community is seen, heard, and supported,” adds Campbell.

The Hough family are not only active supporters of Smile Train but also founders of Team EMPOWER, the organization's endurance athletic program. Their commitment has been demonstrated through numerous events, including the Big Sur Marathon in 2012, Ironman Lake Placid in 2013, Ironman Kona in 2018, and Ironman Florida in 2019. To date, the Houghs have raised nearly $100,000 for Smile Train, funding vital cleft treatments for thousands of children across more than 75 countries.

“Miles for Smiles: Run 50 Strong” began September 11 in Anchorage, Alaska and will conclude October 31 in Maui, Hawaii. For a list of dates and locations outlining when the family will be in your state – click HERE.

The Hough family has a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Smile Train - click HERE.