Hi, I’m Meagan and I’m 11 years old.
Having autism along with a cleft lip and palate means there are challenges I deal with every day. But nothing holds me back!
I have a lot of energy, and I keep super busy with activities like community camps, cheer, bowling, and Camp Trailblazers. After I’d gone to Trailblazers for the first time, I counted the days until I could go back the next summer and see all my friends. I can’t wait until we can all see each other in person again.
When I was little, my Mom and Dad went through a lot, learning to deal with all my medical needs, lip and palate surgeries and other treatments. Now that I’m older, even though there are still challenges, (like having my alveolar bone graft surgery in February), they’re really proud of how far I’ve come. My parents are happy to talk to new parents of babies with cleft lip and palate to let them know that things are going to be okay.
If someone’s not nice to me because of my facial difference, I just ignore them. Nobody should treat someone badly just because they look different. When I had my lip surgery at six months old, my older brother didn’t want me to have it. He loved me with my lip just the way it was.
This is our family motto: Everyone Is Different. And that’s a good thing!
I am outgoing. I am determined. I am a superstar!