Dear Friends, Families, and Supporters of FFC,
The 2024 Annual Appeal campaign is underway and I am reaching out to you to ask for your support. As many of you are aware, I had
the privilege of enjoying a fulfilling career as an RN at Boston Children’s Hospital. Throughout my career I cherished the opportunity to
work closely with families in the Craniofacial Clinic and have followed the progress of those children, whom I still fondly refer to as one
of “my kids” when I see them today.
FFC began with a small group of parents who first joined myself and Dr. John Mulliken around his dining room table. Over time,
we have flourished into a community of over 2,500 members. The continued success of FFC holds a profound significance to me. Even
after retiring from my nursing career, I remain engaged by serving on the Board of Directors and other committees. We endeavor to craft
initiatives that meet the diverse needs of our families.
Among our initiatives is the Scholarship Program. Thanks to many generous contributions, we have been able to award scholarships
to numerous college-bound students. In 2012, I was humbled to have a scholarship established in my name. Witnessing several of “my
kids” benefit from these resources and lead fulfilling lives has been immensely rewarding. I extend a warm invitation to new members to
join one of our committees or the Board of Directors. If you are interested in becoming more engaged or serving on the Board, please
email us at communications@facesofchildren.org.
Craniofacial and Cleft Lip/Palate Programs Planned for 2024
Young Adult Virtual Meet Up: Join us via Zoom at 7 pm on the fourth Monday of each month. Open to young adults 18 and over with a craniofacial condition, this relaxed virtual meet up offers an opportunity to meet new people, ask questions or just listen — whatever works for you!
Virtual Parent Support Groups: Our virtual parent support group meets via Zoom at 7 pm on the second Tuesday of each month. Connect with other parents and bring questions regarding your child’s diagnosis, school issues and newborn care. Presentations by medical professional are given on subjects related to your children’s care. Share your concerns and emotional challenges as we discuss wide-ranging parenting issues. Parents of ALL craniofacial conditions across ALL ages are welcome.
Social Event: FFC provides a variety of opportunities for individuals with craniofacial conditions and their families to meet and connect with other families. In addition to Paces for Faces Annual Walk, programs have included sporting events, art workshops, bowling, movie screenings, and workshops.
Educational Seminars and Workshops: FFC provides educational and informational seminars/webinars for families on various topics including speech and language, dental treatment and timing, insurance obstacles, and psychological support and coping skills for children with facial differences. Some have been recorded and are available on FFC’s website. Be on the lookout for our May webinar, “Care of a Child Born with a Cleft in the First Year of Life.”
Annual Scholarship Awards: Each year since 1999, exceptional young adults in New England who were born with facial differences are recognized by FFC for their academic achievements and contributions to their communities. The Foundation grants scholarships honoring four of our founders to assist recipients in attending their postsecondary institution of choice. To date we have awarded 95 scholarships totaling $279,000.
FFC Cares Grant: Children with craniofacial anomalies often require many medical appointments and hospitalizations. FFC Cares helps to defray travel and associated expenses for families seeking care in any of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) approved care centers in New England.
Retreat Sponsorship: FFC sponsors New England families at the Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) Annual Family Retreat and Educational Symposium. Held in a different city each year, the CCA provides individuals affected by a facial difference, their siblings, and parents an opportunity to interact with others who have similar experiences. Families share ideas, problems, and solutions and make life-long friendships.
Camp Reflections Sponsorship: Located in New Hampshire, Camp Reflections is open to children with facial differences aged 8-16 and their siblings. FFC grants multiple scholarships annually to participants in this unique week-long summer camp.
Our ability to sustain these programs hinges on your support. I offer my heartfelt gratitude in advance for considering a donation to our noble cause. Donations can also be made on our website at facesofchildren.org/how-to-help. Your tax-deductible contribution will be
greatly appreciated and will directly contribute to the FFC mission by supporting needs of children affected by a craniofacial difference.
Dotty MacDonald, RN,BSNA (Retired), Board Member and Programming Committee Member, Foundation for Faces of Children
