As you may already know, I have a strong professional interest in helping children born with dentofacial deformities such as cleft lip and palate. I have been on eleven overseas missions with volunteer groups such as Operation Smile and Health Volunteers Overseas. See link on our website. (Watch our video below about my experiences oversees.)
Next month I will be traveling to Nairobi, Kenya to help a developing local cleft team at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital on behalf of SmileTrain. (Click on the Hospital link to learn more about the problems facing children born in Kenya.)
In addition to my wife Laurie, who is an R.N., I am very fortunate to have three colleagues from Stony Brook Hospital joining me. Alex Dagum, a plastic surgeon, Jaimie Barbera, an audiologist and Kerri Ann Elorriaga, a speech and language pathologist have all volunteered their time to help.
Many of our parents and patients often ask me if they can help in any way. This year the answer is yes! In addition to teaching local health care providers, we are hoping to bring much needed medical supplies to the children. Here are two ways you can be part of our team.
Join us at a fundraiser, Friday night, January 15th, at Tommy’s Place in Rocky Point from 7pm-10pm. A $30 donation includes all you can drink and a dinner buffet! If you can’t make it and would still like to help, any donation is appreciated.
Checks can be made out to:
Stony Brook Foundation, Acct. #270810. Write “Coolsmiles” in memo section and mail to:
Stony Brook University Hospital
Speech and Hearing Department
33 Research Way, Suite 4
East Setauket, NY 11733
Attention: Jamie
Thank you very much and hope to see you on Friday.
It is nice to see a caring dental provider, Dr. K, give back by helping those in need.