Laura Gill’s Help from Surgical Friends Foundation

Growing up was not easy for Laura Gill as she was born with a birth defect called congenital facial paralysis. This condition caused her nasal cavity to collapse and her vision was severely compromised. Thus, she lived a life filled with emotional distress and physical challenges.

Despite her condition, though, Laura achieved a successful career in sales; but that was until the financial crisis hit the country. Laura lost her job, and along with it, her medical insurance. While she previously went through procedures that helped correct her collapsed nasal passage and vision, more physical problems arose due to her deformities, which made it harder for her to look for a new job.

She has found it more difficult to breathe through her nose, her right eye has been constantly tearing and infected, and her face has been sagging more than ever.

Fortunately, there is the Surgical Friends Foundation, a charitable organization that provides free reconstructive surgery to kids and adults with physical defects. With the institution’s help, Laura’s life has changed forever. A company known as MedDev donated a 1.0 gm gold weight that was then implanted into Laura’s right upper eyelid so that she can close her eyes.

Conducted on June 18, 2010, the surgery has allowed Laura to function better in social and professional situations.