The impact We can have together
When You Support Us, You are Helping Transform Lives
In 2020, we raised $ 150,000 for University of Illinois Craniofacial Center and directly impacted over 1,000 patients with services ranging from speech therapy, psychological counseling, orthodontic treatment, artificial teeth, ears, noses, eyes, audiology services, x-ray and supporting documentation, and 3D lab support.
In 2022, we are looking to "Elevate the Journey" with a capital campaign to raise $100,000 with two goals in mind:
1) support University of Illinois Craniofacial Center with a state-of-the-art 3D facial scanner for infants who will undergo surgery.
2) fill coverage gaps for families economically devastated by the pandemic who have a child that needs multi-disciplinary treatment at The Center.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF OUR GENEROUS FRIENDS
Fundraiser spotlight
Meet Chris Jessup
Growing up, Chris was told he had Bell’s Palsy, but later learned that was an inaccurate diagnosis. It wasn’t until he was in his early thirties that an optometrist asked if he was a C-section baby. “It was likely nerve damage caused by the forceps,” he suggested, “that is very common.” Chris had never been told that or considered it before, but guessed it didn’t really matter. He was born with inactive nerve and muscle activity on the left side of his face that caused drooping of the left side.
After meeting with and being turned away by many doctors as a child, Chris’ family found Children’s Health in Dallas, Texas. There, he had a nerve transplant (where surgeons took a nerve from his calf), a muscle transplant (where they took a muscle from his left inner thigh), and a fat transplant to help shape his face. This all taking place before he finished high school. In college, Chris had another fat transplant and muscle grafting procedure. Despite four surgeries, and while there is improvement in motion, feeling and symmetry, he still cannot fully smile, close his left eye and has difficulty drinking liquids occasionally (straws help).
Chris remembers and cherishes the community of individuals that helped to alleviate the stress caused during this very difficult time in his life by providing emotional and financial support. This community gave him the strength to navigate through his college years and beyond. Today, Chris would describe himself as a friendly, compassionate, caring and curious person. His community still plays a huge role in his life. Chris has learned that we all have more in common than one would think. He tries to carry his compassion into every situation, often choosing to take a deep breath and listening more than he speaks.
Chris was introduced to Face the Future Foundation through Mark Allen (current Treasurer). Mark and several other friends were there to support Chris and his family after his last surgery. Chris describes Mark as a very thoughtful and charitable person, noting that Mark began his involvement in Face the Future Foundation after his last surgery to help support the Foundation’s impactful work on young people like himself. Today, Chris uses his platform on social media to fundraise for Face the Future Foundation. Chris believes that “Money Matters”. He wants to support the work of the Foundation and hope to continue to help raise money for the young people and their families served by the Craniofacial Center.
Chris wants to continue his work in government relations in healthcare and create a space where he can see more people with craniofacial differences in professional roles. He believes that positive representation matters. Chris celebrated his 35th birthday earlier this year by launching a social media fundraising campaign. The campaign raised more than $2,500 to support Face the Future Foundation and its partnership with the University of Illinois Craniofacial Center.
