Acting
Famous Faces Host Benefit for Facing Forward Foundation
By Facing Forward Foundation
Nov 9, 2004, 17:45

Sharon Stone and Geena Davis Among Celebrities Helping Children, Families

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Children born with severe facial deformities usually don't like to be the center of attention. But thanks to the work of the Facing Forward Foundation at UCLA's Craniofacial Center, more and more of these children are getting the attention they so desperately need in the form of reconstructive surgery and family-support services.

The surgeons, healthcare providers and other volunteers who are responsible for this incredible life-changing work will participate in the Facing Forward Foundation's 2nd Annual Benefit Gala, date and location to be announced.

UPN Television's Lauren Sanchez and Rick Garcia will host. Actors Geena Davis and Sharon Stone will present some of the Facing Forward children including the recent successes and patients awaiting support for surgery. The evening's festivities will include a gourmet feast by celebrity chef Tom Beres (formally for the Queen of England and the Rainbow Room), select wines and music entertainment by the Matthew Fisher Band and Gavin DeGraw.

Dr. Henry Kawamoto, the plastic surgeon who received worldwide recognition for separating the Guatemalan twins joined at the head ("the Two Marias"), is just one of the surgeons who donates his time to the Facing Forward Foundation. He is quick to point out, however, that the surgery is just a first step.

"For each child who receives surgery," notes Kawamoto, "funds are needed to provide care and aid in the long journey to healing both the physical and emotional scars for these children. Luckily, continued and growing support for the Foundation has created a global support network. Now, we routinely help children from all around the world."

In addition to assistance for the affected children and their families, funds raised during the Gala event will be used for further research and education in discovering new ways to improve the quality of life for the disfigured.

About The Facing Forward Foundation

Since 1972, the Facing Forward Foundation has served as a private, not- for-profit volunteer medical organization that provides reconstructive surgery and related services to children born with facial deformities. Based at the UCLA Craniofacial Center, the Foundation helps children from all over the world live free of the physical and emotional disabilities that can result from severe facial deformity. The group consists of physicians, healthcare providers and others who volunteer their time and expertise to this worthy cause.

Website: http://www.facingforward.org



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