Smile Train’s Team Empower Takes on TCS London Marathon for Cleft Care, Celebrity Runners Join the Cause

Smile Train, the world’s largest organization dedicated to cleft care, has teamed up with its signature fundraising program, Team Empower, for the TCS London Marathon, the world’s largest annual fundraising event. Along with 50,000 other runners, celebrity couple Tim Yap and Javi Martinez, and businessman and legislator Cong. Sam Verzosa, are taking on the challenge of the 26.2-mile course to support Smile Train’s cause.

According to Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Southeast Asia Vice President of Smile Train Philippines, the collective efforts of Smile Train ambassadors like Yap, Martinez, and Verzosa have been vital in extending the organization’s reach in providing safe and quality cleft treatment. She expressed her gratitude towards them for furthering their advocacy and pledging their commitment to the cause.

Since its inception in 1981, the London Marathon events have raised over £1 billion in donations for charities worldwide, supporting causes ranging from breast cancer awareness to brain research initiatives and children’s charities. Smile Train, one of the beneficiaries, is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to lead a full and productive life.

Smile Train Team Empower, represented by Yap, Martinez, Verzosa, and 20+ other runners from different countries, will be participating in the event to strengthen its commitment to volunteerism. Yap, who has been supporting Smile Train’s cause for years, shared that helping improve the lives of children with cleft is very personal to him. He aims to finish strong, and with his partner Javi by his side and his dear friend Sam, his confidence has significantly increased.

Smile Train ambassador and Miss Universe 2015, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, is one of the team’s avid supporters, advocating for the initiative and urging fans to support her friends in the upcoming marathon.

Apart from comprehensive patient treatment, Smile Train also empowers medical professionals and local hospitals with all-around high-quality cleft care. Combined efforts have allowed the organization to go beyond surgery and enable children with cleft to thrive.

If you’re interested in learning more about Smile Train’s projects and initiatives, you can visit their website and Smile Train Philippines’ Facebook page.