Email
Print
Feed
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts |
Tweet |
When people think of plastic surgery, images of altered noses and busts come to mind. However, for children with physical deformities, the gift of plastic surgery can alter their entire outlook on life. As its name implies, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts seeks to do just that by providing reconstructive plastic surgery to children suffering from deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease. “Our goal is to make sure these kids get the confidence and self-esteem they deserve,” says chief operating officer Steve Edwards.
Founded in 1991 by Dennis Nigro, a plastic surgeon in Encinitas, Fresh Start is now the largest nonprofit of its kind serving U.S.-based as well as foreign children. Since its inception, the company has provided more than $11 million in donated medical services for upwards of 4,000 patients. At Surgery Weekends, held seven times a year in San Diego, physicians, nurses, medical technicians, speech therapists, dentists and support staff all donate their time and talent.
Fresh Start treats a wide variety of conditions, including facial damage caused by accidents or abuse, cleft lip and palate, hemangioma (a benign tumor of dilated blood vessels) and microtia (deformed ear). One typical case is a San Diego boy named Andy who was born with a deformed right ear. At age 12, he was referred to Fresh Start and underwent numerous reconstructive surgeries. Today, at age 23, he has nearly completed the process and is a successful student at UCSD. “I can’t describe in words what Fresh Start has meant to me and my family,” says Andy. “Now, I can feel like a normal person. I have more confidence, and I’m less self-conscious.”
Another recent case involved a Cambodian boy named Son Sin who was born with a severe deformity that allowed a portion of his brain to protrude from his forehead. Discovered by a U.S. Air Force doctor on a humanitarian mission, Son Sin was brought to San Diego, where he underwent reconstructive facial surgery. Upon seeing his new face, Son Sin’s eyes filled with tears.
Though medical professionals donate their services, Fresh Start requires funding for patient travel, lodging, meals, pharmacy expenses and medical equipment. Sources of funding include individuals, corporations and foundations. Thanks to an endowment that pays all administrative costs, 100 percent of donor contributions can go directly to support the medical programs.
Fresh Start is seeking volunteers for patient support, administrative support and to help organize charitable events. These events include the Red Nose 5K Run in Del Mar on December 16 and Dream Day on February 3, an auction of one-of-a-kind experiences like a poker party with Andre Reed or a golf lesson with Tina Michelson.
For more information about Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, visit freshstart.org or call 888-551-1003.
Do you like what you read? Subscribe to San Diego Magazine »
