Without surgery and the appropriate treatment, people with facial deformities will experience hardships in life that most of us can only imagine. They can struggle to communicate and sometimes feel displaced from society. However, thanks to a multi-disciplinary approach to craniofacial care, Cecilia received life-changing craniofacial surgery that has transformed her life. The experience also changed her career path and influenced her decision to become a nurse. “I was so grateful to all the staff who looked after me and the care I received, and that is where I picked up my love for nursing.”

Cecilia had her first surgery when she was just a few months old and had two follow up surgeries. Today at the age of 21 Cecilia has an infectious smile that lights up a room. It’s hard to imagine that Cecilia was not born with her beaming smile, although it wasn’t always that way. Cecilia looks back and acknowledges that there were some difficult times in primary school and that kids could often be mean. Thankfully she had a close network to support her. “I was lucky because my parents were so supportive and everyone around me was great. They gave me the tools at a young age to be confident and to not care what other people think and ignore any negativity.”