Joan suffers from Treacher Collins syndrome, a genetic birth defect that is characterized by downward slanting eyes, small lower jaw, and malformed or missing ears. She has had numerous surgeries to date, including lower eye lid reconstruction and the addition of Medpor malar implants to augment her cheekbones. Joan is an amazing and upbeat young woman who has experienced a huge transformation through her fresh start.

 Joan lives with her father in North Carolina and has stayed with an incredibly supportive host family in California while receiving her treatments. Joan has gained confidence and is more outgoing – she now says, “I feel like I fit in.”