Specialty Craniofacial Care at Shriners Children's Boston

Belky recalls with clarity the day she and her husband, Ivan, learned that their daughter, Avani, would be born with an isolated left cleft lip.

It was on St. Patrick’s Day, and the couple was looking forward to celebrating the holiday after their scheduled ultrasound, performed as part of a routine prenatal appointment. Belky recalled being “truly excited” that day seven years ago.

Avani’s early diagnosis during the ultrasound gave Belky and Ivan the opportunity to plan for her medical care as they anticipated her arrival. As a medical professional, Belky was already familiar with Shriners Children’s Boston. She and Ivan decided they wanted to learn more about the Shriners Children’s Boston Cleft and Craniofacial Center, a collaborative program with MassGeneral Hospital for Children. “I knew that Shriners Children’s offered specialty pediatric care, but never imagined experiencing it firsthand,” she said.

The family met with clinicians at Shriners Children’s Boston during Belky’s pregnancy. “We walked in with zero knowledge of clefts and were immediately received with such warmth and encouragement. We are forever grateful.”