Finding clefts groups is really hard, which i'm really surprised at. Everyone seems to know someone that has/had one!! It's so common. People need to get together more. We dont sit around talking "cleft" all day. We have fun!!
Our surgeon goes over seas once a year too!! It's amazing how compassinate doctors that perform surgery on babies can be!! I've seen photos of the palate op and it's not pretty. The inside of their mouths look awlful and really sore. I'm dreading that one too.
Good luck and big hugs for Stephen.!!!!