The Cleft Out Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Dr. Rick Kapitan in 2017. In short, the aim of the Foundation is to provide a pool of resources to help Charlotte area families to meet the many financial needs associated with treating children born with Cleft Lip & Palate. These resources are intended to be used for medically-necessary procedures and therapy for cleft lip & palate patients in order to assist in the development of the children throughout their childhood. 

Cleft Lip & Palate is a birth condition that affects nearly 1 in 700 children born in the United States each year.

While medical insurance often covers the majority of the costs associated with the initial surgeries that are needed, not all costs are covered, such as orthodontics, speech therapy, dentistry, and certain reconstructive surgeries. The total out-of-pocket cost of the care of a single child with this condition can total in excess of $50,000 USD, placing a very large financial burden on families.  

No family in our area should have to delay or forgo their child’s medical and dental treatment for cleft lip & palate due to cost. We have the knowledge, the skills, and the patients in need right here in the Charlotte area. We now want to provide the resources, and truly “Close the Gap” by providing the funding needed to complete their care.