October 2022 E-Newsletter
A Message from our National Director


Autumn is here! Summer vacations have concluded, and we are settling into normalcy. Children have returned to school, and they are easing into their routine. Some returned to school with excitement while others faced it with dread. Those who are subjected to bullying as a result of their physical deformities often begin each new school year with anticipated sadness --- the sadness of having their physical differences amplified by their peers. In a world in which fitting in is glorified, those who are considered different are often scrutinized and teased.
 
We, at Fresh Start, read the personal stories that accompany patient applications for services. We read about the heartache our applicants feel as they face each day while feeling uncomfortable in their bodies. We read about how students’ low self-esteem resulting from bullying has caused their grades to plummet. We read about the financial struggles their families face due to mounting medical bills because treatments for some deformities are not covered by insurance. My words cannot fully describe the relief and sense of hope our patients and their families express when they learn of their acceptance into the Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation program.
 
Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation provides no-cost services to children in need, which means that patient families incur absolutely no cost for the medical services Fresh Start provides to their children. Fresh Start even covers the cost of transportation to get patients to and from their medical appointments and lodging during care (if necessary).
 
We have experienced an increase in patient applications during the last several months, and we are thrilled that so many people want to entrust us with the care of their children. However, we cannot do this alone. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Won’t you join us by supporting our mission through a generous financial contribution? With your help, we can continue to provide quality services to children in need --- services that have the potential to transform lives. Thanks to generous underwriting, 100% of your donation will directly benefit the patients we serve.
 
I hope you will be inspired by the stories featured in this e-newsletter. The Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation family will continue to pray for the health and safety of you, your loved ones, and our community.
 
Sincerely,
Utica J. Gray, PhD, MSHSA, BA
National Director

The 2023 Celebrity Golf Classic - Hosted by Jermaine Dye (Chicago White Sox, 2005 World Series MVP) will be held on June 11-12, 2023. Location information and additional details are forthcoming, so please stay tuned! Details will be added to Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation's event webpage when they become available.

The event will feature a Celebrity Shootout, a Celebrity Golf Classic Pre-Tournament Dinner, and a golf tournament with VIP celebrities and the opportunity to mingle with MLB, NFL, and LPGA friends as well as other celebrities. Attendees can expect a very memorable and exciting time as we raise money to support low-income, uninsured, and underinsured children with physical deformities through comprehensive healthcare treatments at no cost to their families. Proceeds will benefit Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation in its mission to provide children with no-cost reconstructive surgery and follow-up medical care.
September 2022 Surgery Weekend Recap
Our 25th Chicago Surgery Weekend was held on September 17, 2022, and we served three patients. We are very grateful to our volunteer medical team, support staff and The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital for their continuous support.

UPCOMING SURGERY WEEKEND DATES:

February 18-19, 2023
May 20-21, 2023
September 30-October 1, 2023
Patient Spotlight: Carly

Carly is a 16-year-old girl who suffers from Raynaud's disease. On September 17, 2022, Carly underwent repeat BOTOX® and fat injections to her feet. Carly's September and other previous procedures to her hands and feet were performed by Lawrence S. Zachary, MD, professor of surgery at The University of Chicago Medicine, and David W. Chang, M.D., F.A.C.S., former Professor in the Department of Surgery and the Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The University of Chicago.

Volunteer Spotlight:
Laura Martinez, MSN, MBA, RN

We are delighted to introduce Laura Martinez, MSN, MBA, RN as a member of our volunteer team. Laura is a Patient Care Manager at The University of Chicago Medicine.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Other Ways to Give
Start a Facebook Fundraiser in honor of your birthday.
Support us by shopping on
Amazon Smile.