I am joining the march because of my beautiful daughter Mia. Mia was born with a unilateral cleft lip and required cleft lip and nose repair at 4 months old.

I am joining the march because my daughter faces another surgery in the next four years and she deserves the best care possible.

I’m joining the march because my daughter will always have this pre-existing condition and that should never hinder her from receiving quality, affordable healthcare

I’m joining the march because my daughter is beautiful. All cleft children are beautiful. They are 1 in 700. They are cleft proud. They are cleft strong. They deserve a future within a system that cares for them and fights for their medical needs.

Christen Kauffman is a writer, photographer, and former composition teacher from Cincinnati Ohio.