VIRGINIA BEACH — John Proctor and Cody Smith, both 8 years old, found it hard to make friends until they found each other. Smith, who lives near Nashville, was born with a cleft lip. His best friend Proctor, from Chesapeake, Va., was born with a more severe cleft lip and palate. Both children have had corrective surgeries, but the scars have occasionally brought unwanted attention.
“I want people to know that it’s OK to be different. I was bullied a lot because of my scars from cleft surgeries,” Proctor said. “Things are better now because I’m teaching others about cleft, but so many other children around the world still need help.”
The two boys are only able to see each other once a year, at the Operation Smile Final Mile Race in Virginia Beach, a fundraiser that raises money for children who can't afford cleft surgeries. Proctor and Smith have raised thousands of dollars together for Operation Smile.
In a couple years, they plan to increase their work for Operation Smile. They would like to go on a medical mission together when they reach the fifth grade.
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