American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Hosts 'Wonder' Screening Event in Durham Nov 19

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Oct. 27, 2017 - PRLog -- FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

·       Major motion picture based on book about a boy with a facial  difference

·       Screening includes refreshments and special community spotlight

·       Tickets now on sale; proceeds benefit association's programs

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. / October XX, 2017 – The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is hosting a special screening event for the major motion picture Wonder on November 19 at Southpoint AMC Theater in Durham. The festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m. with refreshments, followed by a brief program and feature film screening.

The movie, which stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay, is based on the New York Times bestseller book written by R.J. Palacio about Auggie, a boy born with a facial difference. The story follows the boy's journey as he starts 5^th grade, entering public school for the first time, and shares valuable lessons of compassion and acceptance.

"This film presents a rare opportunity to raise awareness about facial differences and related human experiences on a big stage, and to share the stories of the individuals, families and physicians in our community," said Wendy-Jo Toyama, ACPA executive director. "We are excited to see this powerful story come to life on the screen and hope it will spark a greater dialogue around understanding and kindness."

Facial differences like Auggie's in Wonder may be related to craniofacial syndromes or may happen with no known cause. Cleft lip and palate is the most common facial difference and occurs when tissue in the baby's upper lip or roof of the mouth does not join together completely during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleft lip and palate affects about 7,000 babies annually in the U.S.

The Wonder event will be held Sunday, November 19, at 2:30 p.m. at Southpoint AMC Theater, 8030 Renaissance Parkway, in Durham. Tickets are $8 per person and will benefit ACPA's programs. Tickets can be purchased online at acpa-cpf.org/wonder. Seats are limited.

This event is made possible by donations and sponsorships from Dr. Amelia F. Drake, Dr. Lauren A. Kilpatrick, First Citizens Bank and A Better Image Printing.

To learn more about the association and cleft and craniofacial conditions, please visit acpa-cpf.org (http://www.acpa-cpf.org/).

About the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
The American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association of interested individuals and health care professionals who treat and/or perform research on oral cleft and craniofacial conditions. Since 1943, ACPA has worked to optimize outcomes for individuals with oral cleft and craniofacial conditions through education, support, research, advocacy and interdisciplinary team care. ACPA also provides information to affected individuals and families and seeks to educate the public about facial differences through its ACPA Family Services program. For more information, please visit acpa-cpf.org.