Hello everyone, Chelsea here! Our 5K is more than a walk or a run — it’s a reminder to families that they are never alone Not just physically, but emotionally too.

As the Founder and Director of CleftStrong, I’m deeply passionate about supporting children beyond the medical journey. That’s why I offer separate mindset coaching programs designed to help kids feel strong on the inside as they navigate school, friendships, and everyday challenges.
Just a gentle note for clarity:

CleftStrong is a nonprofit organization, and all mindset coaching programs I offer are completely separate from the nonprofit. Participation in coaching is optional and not connected to CleftStrong services, events, or fundraising in any way.

Families often say that they wish they had these tools before middle school. That’s exactly why working with children in this way matters so much to me.

I’m especially excited to share that something very close to my heart is coming soon: Rooted and Brave: Staying Steady Under Pressure — a mindset program created just for kids.
If this feels like something that could support your child, you’re welcome to learn more through the sign-up link below or reach out to me confidentially.

If you’d like to stay in the loop as this program comes to life, learn about upcoming coaching opportunities that may support your kiddo, and receive free, age-appropriate mindset tips straight to your inbox, I’d love for you to join us. As a special bonus, you’ll also receive a free coaching story you can read with your child right away.

Optional Coaching Resources Sign Up (separate from CleftStrong)
Thank you for being part of this journey and community — it truly means so much!
Confidence and Resilience Resources for Families
​
Warmly, 
Chelsea Ortiz
Founder & Executive Director, CleftStrong
Race Director, CleftStrong 5K

Special Highlights from This Year’s CleftStrong 5K & Kids 1K
We were honored to welcome three incredible guests at this year’s event:

• Dr. Alejandra Garcia de Mitchell, Medical Director of the Christus Children’s Craniofacial Center at CHRISTUS Children's Hospital Outpatient Center, our Presenting Sponsor for 8 years!
• Mr. Stephen Poppoon, a friend and Guest Speaker for the CleftStrong organization who shared a heartwarming story about his cleft journey growing up; and 
• Ms. Charlene Bell, Senior Manager of Development & Strategic Partnerships at the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA).

As always, we extend a heartfelt thank you to ACPA for their unwavering passion and commitment to creating a world where individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions can truly thrive. To explore ACPA’s resources for every stage of life along the cleft care journey, click here. 

​February 23, 2025 -  WORKSHOP #1 SKILL BOOK 1: HOW YOUR MIND SHAPES YOUR WORLD (online workshop)
For tweens nearing middle school 
2/23/25 @ 6:30-7:15 pm CST 
About: How kids feel about themselves is shaped by what kids believe about themselves - both on the conscious level and on the subconscious level. When kids learn how to uncover negative beliefs and then shift them to supportive beliefs, they become empowered to handle the ups and downs of growing up without getting down on themselves. The coaching story, Who’s Flying Your Plane, helps kids understand how their mind shapes their world and what they can do to shape their mind!

• Cost for cleft community: free
• Limited spots per workshop | First come first serve per workshop (with returning participants taking priority as we move through the series)
• 45-minute Group Coaching workshop via ZOOM 
• Includes Kids E-worksheet and Activity 
• Includes Parent Take-Home Notes to support your child​
• Attendance for all 8 workshops not required, but encouraged
• Skill Book 2: How to Move Through Anxiety and Create a Path for Success -  TBD (based on interest and once scheduled)

A huge shout out goes to our FIRST EVER timed finishers for the 2023 CleftStrong 1 KM Kids Run!  Thomas Ojeda with Team Falcon's Soar took home the 1st place finisher medal coming in at 4:08.7, Max Lavender with Team Falcon's Soar went home with the 2nd place finisher medal coming in at 4:10.1 and Brooks Moeller, also with Team Falcon's Soar, was the recipient of our 3rd overall finisher medal completing his race at 4:12.5!  Way to Go to all 2023 CleftStrong Kid Runners.  We congratulate all of you for the race you finished this year and waking up early to support others!  Click here to view a complete list of results for the 2023 Kids Run Competitive race here! ​

Congratulations to our largest 5k team: Team Kayce's Pit Crew from California! Team Kayce's Pit Crew is a repeat largest team recipient and holds a special place in our hearts.  Fellow mom in the cleft community, Mrs. Sarah Garber, is a volunteer remote CleftStrong Committee Member, and has been over the past several years.  She remotes in several months of the year to plan out the annual 5k event as our Virtual Race and Social Committee Chair.  She rounds up an amazing troop across the states in support of their son, Kayce, and although we would much rather her be here with us, we are always so very grateful for all of her hard work remotely, to lead the way for the CleftStrong mission and so many other on the cleft medical journey.  ​

Official race photos from our exclusive in kind volunteer photographer, Requena Photography available here!  Requena Photography has made these images accessible and downloadable for you free of cost for the cause!)

Additional race photos can be found here!  Photos made available to you by CleftStrong 5k Committee Member, Patricia Espinoza!  ​

When our cleft journey began back in 2013, we asked God to take the wheel. We would have never imagined that He would take us into the unfamiliar territory of directing a race. We thank God that we have met amazing friends like you all through His ultimate plan. Here's to moving forward even stronger another year!  
With love from our family to yours.