There is something special about a finish line.
On October 4, we'll watch so many individual stories make their way toward ours at the CleftStrong 5K & Kids 1K. Some will run, some will walk, and some will simply be proud they showed up and started.  The finish line won't tell us how difficult someone's miles were. It won't show the hills, the doubts, or the moments they wanted to stop.  It will show us something else: They believed they could keep going--and then they did.

Choosing Confidence
In our last Behind the Miles, we talked about what confidence really is. But there's another part of confidence I think is equally important: At some point, we have to choose it.  Believing “I can” isn't only something we say. It begins to show in how we live—in our choices, our willingness to try, our ability to follow through, and our decision to keep moving when something is hard.

For children navigating a cleft or craniofacial journey, there can be plenty of hard miles: appointments, surgeries, therapies, changes, uncertainty, and sometimes simply being tired of having another challenge to overcome.  Those challenges are real. But we don't want our children to begin believing:

If this hadn't happened to me, then I could be confident.
If I looked different, then I could...
If things were easier, then I would...

That kind of thinking can quietly keep any of us stuck—waiting for our circumstances to change before we believe we're capable of moving forward... or even find happiness.

Be Careful What You Believe 
Our circumstances are part of our story, and every challenge holds an opportunity to build character, strength, and confidence. We may not choose every circumstance, but we can choose how we see it, how we respond to it, and whether we allow God to use it to help shape who we are becoming.  And when our thoughts tell us I'm not good enough. I can't do this. I've failed. I'll never be able to... we can always remember that this is not how God speaks about His children.

God tells us we are wonderfully made, loved, created with purpose, and His workmanship. The enemy would love to take “this is hard” and turn it into “I can't.”  Confidence asks us to challenge that thought and take the next step anyway. This is the kind of confidence we want to make sticky—the belief in who we are, what we're capable of, and what God says about us. Not the circumstance we wish were different, but the strength, character, and confidence we choose to carry forward because of it.

What the Finish Line Represents (a personal reflection and more)
Maybe that's what I visualize when I think about this year's finish line, although mine looks a little different. As Race Director, my race-day start and finish aren't about crossing the line after 3.1 miles. They represent seeing months of planning, hard work, challenges, prayers, and so many people coming together for a purpose finally unfold. There is always a very meaningful beginning and ending to that day for me.

And maybe that's part of the lesson.  There will always be obstacles ready to get in the way -- we don't get to choose all of them.  But we do get to choose what we allow to stick. I want the confidence to stick and not the hardships or circumstances I wish had gone differently.  I want to always remember that God is always working, and the next step is mine to take.

That's the kind of sticky confidence I want for our children, too.  Not confidence because everything went their way, but confidence that remains even when it doesn't.  

So, what do you visualize for your finish line this year?  What obstacles might try to get in the way -- and, when you reach the "other side", what do you want to be the thing that sticks?

Every mile has meaning. And sometimes crossing the finish line begins long before race day—with choosing to believe you can -- and then following through come what may.

Always cheering you on,
Chelsea Ortiz
B.S. Early Childhood Education
Certified Children's Mindset Coach
Founder, CleftStrong | Founder, The Owl's Haven

As parents, one of the greatest gifts we want to give our children is confidence.  We want our children to believe in themselves, try new things, and know they are capable, valued, and loved.  We want them to feel confident as they navigate challenges, friendships, and new experiences.  Many parents ask, “How do I raise a confident child?” or “How can I help my child believe in themselves?”

The answer is that confidence is not something we simply give our children. Confidence is a skill they can learn and develop over time.  Just like any skill, confidence grows with practice, support, and experiences that help children discover what they are capable of.

One of the ways we can help children build confidence is by teaching them positive self-talk. Children often learn how to speak to themselves by listening to the voices around them. We can help them notice when they are being unkind to themselves and teach them how to replace those thoughts with words that are supportive and encouraging.  Instead of, “I can’t do this,” we can help them practice saying, “I’m still learning,” or “I can try again.”

We can also help children experience opportunities for success. Success builds confidence. The more children experience themselves learning, improving, and accomplishing goals, the more they begin to believe in their own abilities.  Helping children understand their strengths is another powerful confidence builder.  Some children benefit from seeing reminders of what makes them special — a piece of artwork they created, a certificate they earned, a team photo, or even a favorite item that represents something they worked hard for. These reminders help children recognize their own growth and abilities and can serve as great motivators.

At the same time, children need to understand that areas where they struggle are not permanent.  A child who struggles with spelling, math, sports, friendships, or another skill is not "bad" at something - they are simply still learning.  With practice, patience, guidance, and support, children can develop skills in areas that feel challenging.

As parents, some of our most powerful opportunities happen during everyday moments. When we hear, “I can’t,” when our child is afraid to try something new, when fear holds them back, or when they begin making excuses to avoid a challenge, those moments become opportunities to teach confidence.

We can gently ask:
“What would happen if you believed in yourself?”
“What would you try if you knew you could learn from the experience?”
“How would you show up if you were standing in your own strength?”

At CleftStrong, we see this every year through our 5K and Kids 1K. The finish line is not just about completing a race. It is about courage, perseverance, and a child discovering, “I can do hard things.”  Every step, every attempt, and every challenge faced helps build confidence.  

A Final Thought...
What if confidence is not something we build in one big moment, but something that grows through hundreds of small moments?  A child trying something new... a child learning from a mistake... a child finding the courage to try again... a child discovering s(he) is capable.  These moments may seem small, but over time they help children recognize their own strengths and begin to believe in themselves.  As parents, we can help nurture these moments by offering encouragement, support, and opportunities for our children to grow at their own pace.   

Every child is becoming someone.  It's a privilege to walk alongside them, helping them recognize the strengths, gifts, and purpose God has placed within them while encouraging them as they grow into who they are becoming.  Every mile has meaning.  Every step tells a story. 
​
Always cheering you on, 
--Chelsea Ortiz
B.S. Early Childhood Education | Certified Children's Mindset Coach 
Founder, CleftStrong | Creator of The Owl's Haven

​About the Author
For more than a decade, Chelsea has had the privilege of walking alongside children and families, through CleftStrong and in a separate professional role.  One thing she continues to see is that every child faces challenges - some medical, some social, and some simply part of growing up. 

If today's article resonated with you, Chelsea also shares encouragement and practical resources for parents through The Owl's Haven.

Because of your generosity and donations during the 12th Annual CleftStrong 5K, Methodist Children’s Hospital will be receiving pre-surgical DynaCleft Positioning Strips and Nasal Elevators to provide at no cost to cleft families.

These products are used prior to surgery to help prepare a baby’s lip and nose for cleft lip repair. The gentle tension from the medical-grade silicone helps reposition the lip and surrounding tissues, while the DynaCleft Nasal Elevators lift and support the nose. Together, they improve both the cosmetic and functional outcomes of a child’s first cleft lip surgery.

Although these devices are not covered by insurance, they play a critical role in improving surgical results and overall function. Thanks to your support, families will have access to these important tools during a crucial stage of their child’s care.

Thank you for standing with our cleft families and helping provide care that goes beyond what insurance covers. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference—giving babies a stronger start and helping families feel supported every step of the way.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest on new programs and events, important updates, and stories that show how your support is making an impact.

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.