It is with great joy that I announce the realization of a long-time dream of mine – the formation of a non-profit organization dedicated to microtia families: Earicles – Miracles for Ears. Our mission is to help children born without ears thrive through education, research, advocacy and surgical care.
Our very first “Earicle” will be a surgery next month to help Santiago, an adorable 8 year old boy from Ecuador. Santiago was born with no ears and no ear canals. Although he is deaf without hearing aid assistance, Santiago is an excellent student who functions remarkably well. His hard working family has been sacrificing and saving for 8 years to come to the United States for Santiago’s surgeries. Despite their amazing efforts, they could not afford the costs for two Medpor ear surgeries. With the help of Earicles, Santiago will now come to the U.S. twice to receive free surgical care for his ear reconstructions from myself, the anesthesiologist (Dr. Michele Dee) and from K and B Surgical Center.
I will never forget this family’s tears of joy when I told them that he would receive free ear surgery! Please take 5 minutes to watch Santiago’s family’s reaction: Santiago’s Video
In addition, Earicles will host the 1st Annual Los Angeles Microtia Atresia Conference on August 9 – 11, 2013 at Terranea Resort in California. This conference will bring much needed medical education about treatment options of Microtia and Atresia to patients and their families with nationally recognized physician experts and guest speakers. Santiago will be also be at the conference while getting his 2nd surgery and BAHA in Los Angeles!
To inquire about Earicles, learn how you can get involved, or donate towards creating more “tears of joy” please go to www.microtiaearsurgery.com/earicles or contact us at earicles@lewinmd.com.