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Travel Long Distances

To a specialist in the problems
that result from difficulty
in speaking, the work of
the cleft palate clinic is particularly
rewarding. It's such
a genuine pleasure to see
these shy, withdrawn young

children blossom as their oral
defects are treated. Some
times we recommend special
appliances to cope with the
defect. For other patients,
medical and dental treatment
is sometimes combined with
plastic surgery to restore
function.

It is inspiring to watch our
team members work. Often
they travel long distances at
their own expense in order to
contribute their highly specialized
knowledge to dealing
with a child's problem.

The clinic began almost informally
as a project dreamed
up by Dr. John B. Gregg, a
maxillo-facial surgeon in
Sioux Falls, and myself. Then
four years ago the National
Foundation agreed to support
our work. March of Dimes
support came as part of the organization's
policy of making
possible services that would
otherwise not be available.

Perhaps the most remarkable
part of our work are the
clinics we hold on the Sioux
reservation. In December,
each year, we hold a session
at the Rosebud Indian Hospital
deep in the Sioux country.
People bring children from
miles away, regardless of the
weather. Winters on the Dakota
plans can be very bitter
indeed.