Jesus has been a Fresh Start patient since 2007 when she was just 3 years old! Jesus was born in Mexico with microtia of her right ear – a birth defect where the ear is underdeveloped. Although microtia is not life-threatening and many people choose not to correct this condition, Jesus’ family was already noticing that Jesus felt different and self-conscious because of her condition. Jesus’ family could not afford the costly surgery for Jesus’ ear until one day they heard about Fresh Start on television and immediately applied to the program – they were ecstatic!
Although Jesus has been a Fresh Start patient for about 5 years, she just recently received her first reconstructive surgery in November 2011. Jesus will be receiving her second surgery on July 14th during the July Surgery Weekend Cycle by volunteer plastic surgeon Dr. Brucker. Since becoming a Fresh Start patient, Jesus has already received over $20,000 in donated medical care from Fresh Start’s volunteer medical professionals.
Although Fresh Start treats many microtia patients since they only require an average of three reconstructive surgeries, for many patients, microtia is just one small part of their overall condition; for example, for our patients with Treacher-Collins syndrome, they usually suffer from microtia coupled with other facial deformities. But no matter how small, or extensive, the condition, Fresh Start will provide high-quality, comprehensive care for as long as it is needed. We are all so excited to provide Jesus and her family with the medical attention they needed and we will be with her every step of the way!
