Incredible 50-Marathon Cleft Fundraiser Makes a Stop in Missoula

The condition can make it difficult to speak, eat, hear, and breathe. And it affects one in every 700 babies.

An Air Force and his family are embarking on an ambitious, country-wide journey, that includes a stop in Missoula. It's part of a fundraiser and awareness campaign for this heartbreaking condition. And yes, it's personal, as those numbers with the condition include one of their daughters.

Jeremy Hough, his wife, Kelly, and their teenage daughters, Campbell and Caroline, are on the adventure, “Miles for Smiles: Run 50 Strong,” aimed at raising awareness for the cleft community, connecting with other cleft-affected families, and supporting Smile Train.

Image courtesy of Smile Train

Daughter Campbell was born with a cleft lip and palate. and Smile Train was able to help her get it fixed. Clefts are the most common facial difference worldwide.

Jeremy Hough says they know that too many children around the world don’t have access to proper high-quality cleft care. The family is running to help make a difference. They are looking to build support across the U.S. through their family fundraiser, which you can support here.

As part of “Miles for Smiles: Run 50 Strong," the Hough family will be continuing their journey in Missoula this Saturday, September 14th. They'll run 5k in the Great Burn Brewing beer run, part of the Montana Brewery Running Series.

The family has loaded up their camper, driving around the country in September and October, and will run a 5K in all 50 states and Washington D.C. in just 50 days!

So much admiration and respect for this family. Go here if you'd like to more about the amazing work being done by Smile Train.