Hope

Hope joined the Fresh Start program in November 2023 after her mother, Melva, discovered Fresh Start through her work at a pediatrician’s office in Laredo. Hope was born with congenital microcephaly, resulting in a smaller than normal head, which made her ears appear larger and protrude more prominently. This led to relentless bullying and teasing at school, deeply affecting Hope’s self-esteem. Despite Melva’s efforts to seek corrective surgery, their insurance classified it as a cosmetic procedure and would not cover the cost.

Hope was overjoyed when she learned she had been accepted into the Fresh Start program and eagerly anticipated her surgery for congenital microcephaly. Although the procedure was initially delayed until June due to her surgeon’s unavailability, Hope remained hopeful. In the weeks leading up to her surgery, she visited San Antonio to meet her surgeon, who identified additional issues, such as a small nasal passage, that needed attention.

On June 29, Hope underwent bilateral otoplasty performed by Dr. Christian Stallworth, a plastic surgeon at University Health Hospital San Antonio. She was ecstatic to see her new ears and had a smooth recovery. Hope returned to Laredo a few days later to reunite with her family, who are incredibly grateful for the transformative surgery. She now confidently embraces her new appearance and enjoys life without the burden of bullying. The total gift-in-kind value of Hope’s surgery is $43,196.