Mile 41

Elliana Belew’s mother, Bridget, first learned of Elliana’s condition during a prenatal ultrasound, following a scare when she couldn’t feel her baby moving. Elliana was diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate. The diagnosis was overwhelming, but Bridget quickly sprang into action, connecting with the Craniofacial Center at Manning Family Children’s even before Elliana was born. That early partnership with the cleft and craniofacial team made all the difference. From NICU support to feeding assistance and early therapy, Elliana’s care journey began from day one with a comprehensive, compassionate team by her side.

Over the years, Elliana has undergone more than a dozen surgeries—including lip and palate repairs, ear tube placements, and two bone grafts using bone from her hip. Recovery was often difficult, but each surgery brought her closer to improved speech, function, and confidence.  Today, Elliana has completed the braces and palate expander phase and will have jaw surgery in the future. Through it all, Bridget says Elliana has remained remarkably strong and resilient.

“Elliana often asks, ‘Why did God want me to be born different?’” Bridget shared. “And I tell her, ‘Because you’re strong enough to teach others about kindness and love. You’re proof that being different is beautiful.’” Thanks to the unwavering support of her dedicated care team and her family’s love, Elliana is thriving—and showing the world what true strength looks like.