Star Center Foundation founder Esther Verbovszky at her Cleveland Feeding & Swallowing Center.Bulldogs are familiar faces as mascots for sports teams, but one Cleveland puppy is serving as a spokesperson in an entirely different way. Meet Charlie Bear, a four-month-old French bulldog who turns heads wherever he goes with his adorable personality and an important story to tell.

Charlie Bear was born with a cleft palate, a condition that can occur in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and causes difficulties with eating and breathing. His story is helping shine a light on the feeding and swallowing challenges that affect people and animals alike.

This Saturday, Nov. 14, Charlie Bear will be among several four-legged friends bringing smiles and solidarity to the “Doggie Comfort Corner” at “Bridging the Gap: Feeding & Swallowing Across the Lifespan.” Hosted by the Star Center Foundation, this free community health expo will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rocky River Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, 44116.

The event aims to highlight resources, education, and support for Clevelanders navigating feeding and swallowing challenges at every stage of life—from premature infants to older adults living with Parkinson’s disease.

Speech-language pathologist Esther Verbovszky started the Star Center Foundation in 2019 to help patients better access necessary care and supplemental therapies that can make a meaningful difference in their outcomes.

Art installation-in-progress s by Alan Tuskes.“Feeding and swallowing disorders affect people of all ages, but sometimes these patients fall through the cracks in traditional healthcare systems,” says Verbovszky, who owns the Cleveland Feeding & Swallowing Center in Westlake. “Our goal is to help families and individuals recognize potential problems earlier and provide access to solutions they might not otherwise discover.”

For many patients, the challenge extends beyond identifying a condition and finding the right treatment. Insurance coverage may be limited, even when ongoing therapy is essential to making progress.

Verbovszky points to her longtime client Ryan MacCredie as a shining example of what can happen with the right course of care. After suffering three strokes in December 2023, the now 46-year-old high school art teacher worked with Verbovszky over the course of 89 sessions to recover his voice and swallowing ability—traveling an hour each way from Mansfield to Westlake for each treatment.

Though insurance wouldn’t cover the therapy, the Star Center Foundation was able to fund his care, and MacCredie now credits Verbovszky with helping him return to teaching art at Madison Comprehensive High School near Mansfield.

His experience illustrates the foundation's mission: helping people access the support they need to reclaim important parts of their everyday lives.

MacCredie will appear at the “Bridging the Gap” event on Saturday, along with vendors and sponsors that include Dr. Brown’s Medical, Zero Doubt Kitchen, Connecting for Kids, and others. Attendees will also have the chance to experience innovative technologies such as the VezaFlex sit-to-stand high chair and PLIX interactive projector.

Featured speakers will include MetroHealth laryngologist Andrew Bowen, ENT, who will speak on the essential role of the larynx in breathing and swallowing, and pediatric occupational therapist Erica Boarman, OTR/L, who will explore how tongue-tie can affect infant feeding.

Charlie BearAlong with the “Doggie Comfort Corner,” there will be a sensory exploration area for little ones. Visual stimulation will also come in the form of custom ear- and nose-shaped art installations designed by Hollywood special effects artist Alan Tuskes.

“Whether you’re worried about feeding your baby or someone you love is struggling to swallow, all attendees are welcome to come with questions,” says Verbovszky, who will be conducting the free screenings. “I want people to leave knowing who they can turn to and feeling a little less alone. That’s what ‘Bridging Care with Compassion’ means to me.”

“Bridging the Gap: Feeding & Swallowing Across the Lifespan” takes place this Saturday, November 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rocky River Memorial Hall (21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, OH 44116). The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the event page.