Changing Faces, Changing Lives
Kate’s Story
It wasn’t until Kate was 19 years old that her father told her that he fainted at the sight of her as a baby. It is a significant moment, because it indicates just how far Kate has come. Her story is one of anguish and triumph – a craniofacial journey that will last her whole lifetime.
Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Kate was only two days old when she first met Professor David David. He walked straight into the hospital room and immediately picked Kate up with a gleaming smile.
“It’s true that I owe my life’s happiness and contentment to Professor David David and his exceptional surgical and specialist team,”
Kate beams as she recalls the incredible journey she has been on. Kate has endured 13 operations over her lifetime, many of which have involved treating multiple issues at once. Until the age of 22 Kate would meet annually with specialists and have appointments that would often take two days to complete.
“I can still remember how busy the waiting room was, with every second or third chair seating a child, teenager or adult with a disfigured face. Then there were the babies sporting oxygen tubes taped to their nose, or paddle pop stick splints strapped to their arms so they couldn’t touch their sore little faces.”
When Kate talks about her journey, there are both physical and emotional scars. It wasn’t until she was 16 that she was able to talk about the way she looked, but now she shares how different her life is because of the treatment and care she received.
“They have given me a great gift, the gift of social acceptance. They not only change faces, they transform lives.”
Photo by The Dance Pad
Banner photo by Heidi Who Photos
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