Patients Inspire Others
Imagine waking up every day, looking in the mirror, staring at skin that has been melted away, ears that never fully developed or a mouth so deformed that you cannot speak. Sounds horrific, devastating, tragic?
Now imagine waking up everyday, looking in that same mirror and then going out and changing the world. Sounds impossible, amazing, heroic? For four individuals who were given the 2008 Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity award in a Nov. 1 ceremony, presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), it is the simple truth.
Programs Honors Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Patients
The Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity program was designed to honor reconstructive plastic surgery patients who have overcome their mental and physical challenges, all the while having a positive influence on those around them.
Each year, ASPS members nominate patients they consider to be heroes, who inspire others and maintain a positive outlook despite their personal struggles and often-times painful reconstructive procedures.
This year, the awards were given to four true heroes, all of whom have already inspired and changed the lives of many.
• Sgt. Robert Bartlett, 35, Phoenix
• Erin Williams, 22, Baltimore
• Rachel Cooney, 18, Baltimore
• Missy Fish, 56, St. Louis
Bartlett Speaks Out About his Experiences
Sgt. Robert Bartlett suffered traumatic injuries to his face and head in an IED explosion during a recognizance mission in Sadar City, Iraq. The explosion, which nearly took his life, left Bartlett with severe burns and disabled him from speaking.
After going through various medical procedures, Bartlett partnered with a member of ASPS on his reconstructive journey. After undergoing countless reconstructive procedures, Bartlett agreed to have a free flap from his forearm used to reconstruct his lower lip, restoring his ability to talk.
Bartlett, who is now able to talk uses his traumatic, life changing experience in an effort to help motivate other soldiers who have been wounded. He now speaks to groups of wounded soldiers and works closely with organizations including:
• Department of Veteran Affairs
• Project Healing Waters
• Aledthia Foundation
Williams Helps Give Strength to Special Needs Children
Erin Williams, another recipient of the award, has a very different story that has, too, helped change lives. Williams was born with a severe case of Treacher Collins Syndrome, a rare disorder that affects the face and head. At the young age of 22, Williams has already undergone more than 50 surgical procedures in an effort to reconstruct her eyes, ears, chin and cheeks.
Despite the physical and emotional consequences of all the surgeries, Williams has managed to excel in her studies. She has received several scholarships and will graduate in May 2009 from Towson University with a degree in special education.
Williams uses her life experiences to give strength and hope to children with special needs. She has courageously told her story to several schools and civic groups and works closely with groups including:
• Children’s Craniofacial Association
• Ridge Ruxton Camp for Special Needs Children
Cooney Aspires to Help Beautify the Disabled
Rachel Cooney, who was adopted from Ghana when she was 9 years old, also received the honor. Cooney sustained such severe burns to her face, she arrived to the U.S. with no skin. She immediately underwent surgery, saving her life, and began a life of surgical procedures, including the construction of a nose from her arm tissue and cartilage from her ribs.
Cooney is now an active member of her church, playing a vital role in programs designed to help people with special needs. She is getting ready to graduate from cosmetology school and plans to open a salon for the disabled.
Fish Inspires Women Living with Breast Cancer
Missy Fish was also given the award for her strength and courage. Fish was diagnoses with breast cancer, not once, but twice. Both times, Fish decided to have her breast removed and reconstructed. After recovering the first time, Fish committed herself to an aggressive workout program and created an event which celebrated the connection between women’s health and fitness, the Celebrate Fitness workshop.
Fish has helped change the lives of women with breast cancer through the development and growth of:
• The Celebrate Fitness workshop, which has raised over $700,000 for the Siteman Cancer Center at the Washington University and helps support the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program
• Celebrate Spot, which is her newly created event, that helps benefit breast cancer research
Each year, the Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity program highlights heroes who have overcome unimaginable obstacles in an effort to spread courage and hope to patients everywhere.
