Beloved

“Everyone, who is a part of Fresh Start, in whatever capacity, are my heroes for making a difference in my life and in the lives of so many fresh start patients. Again, from the bottom of my heart thank you so much.”

Beloved made this comment during a speech he gave at Fresh Start Surgical Gift’s 24^th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament.   He arrived to the event excited about the opportunity to share his experience and to proudly stand before a group of people and confidently articulate his story. You see, 16 years ago, he may not have thought that the ability to speak would have even been possible.

Beloved was born in Zimbabwe, Africa. When he was 9 years old, he picked up a metal object that turned out to be a landmine. The landmine explosion destroyed the top and lower parts of his mouth. In addition, this painful accident caused severe internal damage to his mouth and blew off 60% of his teeth. Not only did he live with a facial deformity for years, this ghastly incident affected his social and educational life. He also suffered from excruciating pain when eating that he would prefer to starve than nourish himself.

Although the doctors in Zimbabwe saved his life, the medical expertise and resources were very limited. Beloved became a Fresh Start patient we and provided the necessary surgeries and other healthcare services as well, like dental work and speech therapy which helped transform Beloved and his future. After countless operations, he is now part of our successful reconstructive surgery stories.

Beloved ended his speech about our kids nonprofit by saying, “I would like to personally thank you (Fresh Start) because your support has changed my life forever.”