United States

FACES
"You are not alone" is the primary message of FACES, a non-profit organization serving children and adults throughout the United States with severe craniofacial deformities resulting from birth defects, injuries, or disease. Recognizing that insurance and government medical assistance programs help to pay for surgeries but rarely pay for travel expenses, FACES used their Smile Train Treatment Grant to provide emergency funds for U.S. families needing transportation, lodging, and food during their children's hospital stays.

It is difficult for any young family to experience having a baby with a birth defect, but when the medical treatment that is necessary for the baby to undergo must take place away from one's hometown, the difficulties mount. Such is the case for two families assisted through The Smile Train's partnership with FACES: The National Craniofacial Association.

Little Ashlyn was born with complete left and central cleft lip and palate. She was welcomed into a family that includes two brothers, a sister, and mom and dad. Ashlyn's mom works as an office assistant and her dad recently found a new job as a custodian, after being without full-time employment for almost five months. At Ashlyn's birth, the family learned that the closest craniofacial center would require a 145-mile round trip to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. As is often the case with babies born with clefts, there were major feeding issues and Ashlyn required frequent doctor visits to assure she was thriving. To make matters worse, the family lost their only vehicle. That's when Ashlyn's mom contacted FACES. Through The Smile Train Partnership Award, FACES has provided transportation, food and other secondary costs related to traveling to the craniofacial center for Ashlyn's surgeries and follow-up appointments. Ashlyn's parents have been so grateful for this special assistance, and we share their joy in watching Ashlyn's smile develop so beautifully.

Seven-year old Corbin and his family are typical of many in our country. His dad is employed as a route salesman and his mom works as a seamstress. Dad's insurance covers only 70% of their medical bills. Corbin's older sister was born with a cleft lip, so when Corbin entered the world with a bilateral incomplete cleft lip and unilateral complete cleft palate, the family knew that the trips from Elida, Ohio to the craniofacial center in Columbus, Ohio would become more frequent. FACES has been assisting Corbin's family since his birth with transportation, food and lodging while in Columbus for all of his surgeries and yearly exams. But as those of us familiar with clefting know, it is at the seven year old mark that the medical visits become particularly strenuous. Thanks to The Smile Project Award, FACES has been able to continue to assist Corbin as his doctors prepare for the aveolar bone graft surgery in which bone will be taken from Corbin's hip to be used to fill in the cleft space to allow for proper oral function. Recently the family has learned through genetic testing that Corbin may also have a serious growth hormone deficiency which will require lengthy and expensive treatment. His mom recently wrote, "During these troubled times, we have such 'peace' knowing that there is such a wonderful organization to help us. I give you our sincere thanks."

Lynne Mayfield, President
P.O.Box. 11082
Chattanooga, TN 37401
Phone: (423) 266-1632, 1-800-3FACES3
Web site: www.faces-cranio.org