March 2022 E-Newsletter
A Message from our National Director amid the COVID-19 Pandemic


If I could use one word to summarize the last two years, it would be resilience. Our world and our nation have been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic difficulties, and civil unrest. We have learned that tomorrow is not promised and that we should live in the moment. We have come to appreciate the simple things and those we previously sometimes took for granted. Despite those difficulties, we have forged ahead and look to the future with hope. WE ARE STILL STANDING.
 
We are now beginning to see a glimmer of hope; however, much uncertainty still exists. Many are still facing income and health insurance loss. Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation has seen increasing demand for life-changing surgeries --- surgeries that many families are unable to afford and surgeries that are deemed as cosmetic by insurance companies. We at Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation and our selfless volunteers remain fully committed to transforming lives --- one surgery at a time. We cannot do it alone. The financial support of our generous and faithful donors enables us to carry out our mission. Won’t you support our mission by making a financial contribution? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT NOW MORE THAN EVER.
 
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 7th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic - Hosted by Jermaine Dye (Chicago White Sox, 2005 World Series MVP) will take place May 22-23, 2022 at Rich Harvest Farms (7S771 Dugan Road, Sugar Grove, IL 60554). 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, NHL, NFL, NBA, 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.
February 2022 Surgery Weekend Recap
Our 23rd Chicago Surgery Weekend was held on February 19, 2022, and we served two 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:

April 23-24, 2022
September 17-18, 2022
Patient Spotlight and Update: Nicholas and Julian

Nicholas is a three-year-old boy who suffered from polydactyly of the hands and foot. On February 8, 2020, Julian underwent repair surgery performed by Lawrence S. Zachary, MD, professor of surgery at The University of Chicago Medicine. Julian, the older brother of Nicholas, is a five-year-old boy who suffered from polydactyly of the feet. On September 22, 2018, Julian underwent repair surgery performed by Patrick L. Reavey, MD, MS, former assistant professor of surgery and orthopaedics at The University of Chicago Medicine. Both Nicholas and Julian have Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, a genetic disorder. Read about how their lives have changed since their surgeries.

Volunteer Spotlight:
Hannes Prescher, MD

We are delighted to introduce Hannes Prescher, MD as a member of our volunteer team. Dr. Prescher is a 5th-year resident in the Section of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at The University of Chicago Medicine.
Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation was Featured on the Diamond Hands Podcast

Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation's National Director was featured on the Diamond Hands podcast in December 2021. The podcast is hosted by Leslie Tracey, a strong advocate for women in business and Founder & Principal of Tracey Donavan Insurance and Retirement Services, which is a boutique risk management practice specializing in medical aesthetics. During the podcast, Utica J. Gray, PhD spoke about Fresh Start's history, inception, and growth during its nearly eight years' existence along with its partnership with The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital and how others can become involved in the organization's remarkable work.

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