MARCH 2020 NEWSLETTER
We are deeply grateful to those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle who are providing solutions and care. These warriors include the medical professionals and our partners at the myFace Center for Craniofacial Care at NYU Langone Health. We are privileged to work alongside this impressive and compassionate team who provides the comprehensive support and care our community needs. We applaud all they have done to keep us informed and safe throughout this challenging time.
COVID-19 HOTLINE
Hear from the experts! Tune in at any time for the latest updates about the Coronavirus pandemic from our partners and medical experts at NYU Langone Health.
SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio and NYU Langone Health launched a special 24/7 channel to provide the public with the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak. Listeners can tune in to Coronavirus: What You Need To Know (Ch. 121) at any time on both active and inactive SiriusXM radios, the SiriusXM app and SiriusXM.com for coverage. Listen now
There is also an information hotline. Callers can dial in to 877-40COVID (877-402-6843) to hear direct responses to their questions.
MYFACE SUPPORT GROUPS PROVIDE A FORUM FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES TO SEEK GUIDANCE, COUNSELING AND COMMUNITY
There is power in the shared story, knowing you are not alone and that someone understands. Many of our patients and families are reminded of this power when they attend our support groups for Parents, Adolescents, Pre-Teens and Adults. We not only want them to feel empowered, but we want to inspire them to share their stories in their communities to give hope to others and educate the public so no one is teased or excluded because of their differences.
Eric Riklin, born with Crouzon Syndrome, who now co-leads the Adolescent Support Group with clinical psychologist, Aileen Blitz, PhD, speaks to the importance of these groups, as they provide an outlet for these individuals and allow them to express themselves in ways that they had never experienced before with individuals from similar backgrounds. “Being able to co-lead these groups and watch and learn from these kids has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are transitioning our in-person support groups to virtual forums, as we recognize the need for them now – more than ever – during this unprecedented crisis. If you are interested in participating in an upcoming virtual group, please contact Dina Zuckerberg, myFace Director of Family Programs at dina@myface.org or 917-720-4701 ext. 160.
A SPECIAL PANEL DISCUSSION ON HELPING PARENTS TO ADVOCATE FOR THEIR SCHOOL-AGE CHILD
"Feed the attention of the child... Starve the attention of the bully..."
– Lilliana Díaz-Pedrosa, Esq.
Advocates for Children of NY Director, AFC Parent Center
In January 2020, we held our first panel discussion on a very important topic: “Advocating for Your School-Age Children.” It was an invaluable program we put together for our patient families and caregivers, providing them with critical information, insight, and ammunition to tackle an often daunting task, especially when you have a school-age child with a craniofacial difference. The event was a huge success with more than thirty five people in attendance.
Patricia Chibbaro, RN, from the myFace Center for Craniofacial Care at NYU Langone Health, moderated this amazing panel of professionals including our very own Dina Zuckerberg, Director of Family Programs, Jennifer Russell, LCSW and Aileen Blitz, PhD from the myFace Center. We were able to arrange for 2 families to speak from personal experience, as well as Lilliana Díaz-Pedrosa, a director from Advocates for Children who provided excellent, insightful legal advice.
We want to continue offering these types of educational programs for our community. Please email us at info@myface.org with ideas for topics or issues you’d like explored.
2ND ANNUAL MYFACE TALENT SHOW BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN!
On Sunday, March 1st, myFace hosted its 2nd Annual Talent Show – this year at Merkin Concert Hall in NYC. This show, made possible in part by generous support from The Warner Fund, provided a wonderful opportunity for a dozen of our myFace Stars – all impacted by craniofacial challenges – to showcase their talent, passion and courage on stage in front of 300 people! Some sang, some danced, some played an instrument. Each performer showed a sense of empowerment, mastery and confidence on that stage.
With their spirits strengthened, these kids knew that nothing could stop them and that they could do anything they set their mind to. Visite este sitio to see the group finale of everyone singing, none other than, “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman.
Dr. David Staffenberg, craniofacial surgeon from the myFace Center for Craniofacial Care at NYU Langone Health, served as our emcee and has known many of these patients since they were born. Sarah Cooper, rising comedian and best-selling author, opened the show with an entertaining comedy routine that set the stage for the rest of the show.
We’d like to acknowledge StinkyBklyn for donating the food and wine for the reception.
BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT
myFace is proud to announce the election of Chloe Harrouche, to its 2019-2020 Board of Trustees. With a degree in Bioengineering, Chloe pursued a career in healthcare technology. In an effort to drive more direct impact, Chloe shifted to the nonprofit world as the Director of Development at myFace, where she led all fundraising and development efforts for the organization a few years ago.
“I am thrilled to be back involved with myFace as a member of the Board. I have always been in awe of what myFace has accomplished in providing truly comprehensive care, and am eager to support the staff in any way I can to provide this remarkable care to as many patients as possible. The strength and courage of our patients and their families have both inspired and humbled me, and I feel grateful to be a part of their journey.”
MYFACE MAY 7TH GALA POSTPONED
In light of our current situation, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone the myFace Gala, originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 7. Rest assured that as we gain more clarity about what the future holds we will be sure to keep you informed of a new date.
PURCHASE WITH PURPOSE
So many of us are practicing social distancing, but we can still shop for a cause. It’s easy to support myFace while shopping for essentials for yourself or your loved ones.
Visite este sitio to learn how!
‘Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life.’
– Auggie Pullman, Wonder
The myFace Talent Show showcased the skills of 14 myFace Stars – twelve performers and two artists whose work was displayed and raffled off. The stars included Logan, who performed “Perfect Symphony” by Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli on the piano, Harborfields High School freshman, Wyatt, who sang “Vienna” by Billy Joel, and Grace, who came all the way from Westlake, Texas to perform “Gavotte” by Johann Sebastian Bach.
