It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our dear friends and long time volunteer and supporter of AboutFace, Ms. Becky Thomson. Becky was a dedicated advocate of AboutFace for over 25 years. She reached out for support during a difficult time in her life and in doing so, she found the courage and passion to help others.

 

Exciting changes are coming in 2014!

This year there will be changes coming to some of our core programs at AboutFace! 

 

Happy 10th Anniversary Camp Trailblazers!

One of the most exciting ones is the 10th Anniversary of Camp Trailblazers! We are celebrating this milestone by expanding and improving the program! Here is what you can expect this year:

   

 

For me, the AboutFace Leadership & Life Skills Retreat was the best trip that almost didn't happen. A few days before my flight from Vancouver to Toronto, I came pretty close to cancelling my trip. I felt nervous about flying on my own for the first time and meeting people I didn't know. I was self-conscious and worried that the people at the conference would judge me  for my facial difference.

 

I first became aware of AboutFace during my residency and specialty program in Orthodontics at SickKids Hospital in Toronto. When I returned to the IWK Health Center in Halifax as Chair of the Cleft Palate Team, I contacted AboutFace to get information and resources to share with our Cleft Team and patients. Since then, I have developed a wonderful relationship with AboutFace as an ongoing representative in Atlantic Canada and also serving on the Board of Directors for three years. 

 

Do you or someone you know have an inspirational story you would like to share with others? Share it with AboutFace and it could be published in our eNewsletter or AboutFace Magazine! Send your story to info@aboutface.ca or share it on our website www.aboutface.ca.

I am a 2nd year Trainee Counselling Psychologist undertaking a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of the West of England (UWE) and I am currently conducting research into the development of self-identity in adults living with Facial Palsy (present from birth). I too also have a Facial Palsy (Moebius Syndrome).   

I am looking to recruit people aged between 20 and 39 years old with a facial palsy present from birth to interview about their experiences, particularly when growing up. 

Interviews can be conducted via Skype. UK and international participants are welcome.

 

My name is Victoria Pileggi and I am a second year Master's student at the University of Guelph in the Family Relationships and Human Development program. As part of my studies, I am conducting a research study under the supervision of Dr. Carla Rice. The proposed project, My Mother, My Daughter, My Self: Mother-Daughter Relationships and the Influence of Facial Differences, looks to fill in some of the gaps in the existing literature on facial difference, and looks to present an alternative means of understanding facial difference. Specifically, the project aims to explore the mother-daughter relationship when the daughter is living with a facial difference, a topic that remains previously unaddressed.

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE STUDY. 

"A facial difference is what I have, it's not who I am."

Find out what this means from those affected by facial difference.