FACE Forward - Families and Advocacy for Craniofacial Equity

05/16/2026

Recap of FACE Forward at the Rush University 4th Annual Department of Surgery Research Day. Our award-winning abstract, “Determinants of Delayed Cleft Palate Repair in the United States: A Systematic Review,” was presented by our wonderful board member, Luz Mata-Iriarte!

Through this systematic review, our team identified how factors such as race & ethnicity, insurance status, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants influence access to care, surgical timing, and outcomes in cleft palate repair. These findings highlight critical disparities in craniofacial healthcare and reinforce the importance of continued research aimed at advancing equitable care for all patients.

Our team remains deeply committed to investigating areas where meaningful intervention can improve access, outcomes, and quality of craniofacial care.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Rush University Libraries, Dr. Tulsi Roy from the Rush Craniofacial Center, and Dr. Laura Deon from the Rush Medical College Health Equity and Social Justice Leadership Program for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this project.

05/04/2026

Meet the Board of Face Forward💚

Director of Finances and Fundraising: Zach
Director of Community Outreach: Luz
Director of Research: Havish
Director of Clinical Operations: Tina
Director of Communications and Marketing: Ime
Patient Navigators: Eliya & Shivam

Together, this team is committed to expanding access to cleft and craniofacial care, uplifting underserved communities, and supporting children and families every step of their journey. We are dedicated to advancing equity, advocacy, and compassionate care in everything we do.
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Conozcan al equipo de Face Forward💚

Director de Finanzas y Recaudación de Fondos: Zach
Directora de Alcance Comunitario: Luz
Director de Investigación: Havish
Directora de Operaciones Clínicas: Tina
Directora de Comunicaciones y Marketing: Ime
Navegadores de Pacientes: Eliya y Shivam

Juntos, este equipo está comprometido a ampliar el acceso a la atención de labio y paladar hendido, apoyar a las comunidades desatendidas y acompañar a los niños y sus familias en cada paso de su camino. Nos dedicamos a promover la equidad, la defensa y una atención compasiva en todo lo que hacemos.

02/23/2026

Our hearts are so full after our very first FACE Forward fundraiser 🤍🍦

Because of your support, generosity, and presence, we were able to raise upwards of one thousand dollars! These funds will directly support the purchase of specialized bottles for babies with cleft lips and palates at the Rush Craniofacial Center. These bottles make feeding safer, easier, and more comfortable. That impact is only possible because of this incredible community!

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up and supported us at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams West Loop. This was a beautiful step for FACE Forward.

If you were not able to attend but would still like to support our cause, our Venmo link is in our bio for donations. Every contribution helps us continue making a difference.

More initiatives, events, and opportunities to get involved are coming soon. Thank you for believing in this mission 💚

Pictured on slides 2 and 3 are two of our wonderful board members — Luz Mata-Iriarte and Havish Gattu

02/10/2026

12/10/2025

Representation matters, especially for the millions of children and adults living with craniofacial differences.
We are joining the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association in urging the film and television industry to end the harmful practice of portraying facial differences as “scary,” “villainous,” or “broken.”
Our families deserve better. Our children deserve to see heroes who look like them.
Let’s choose stories that reflect the full humanity of people with facial differences and lift up the faces that move our world forward. 💛✨

11/12/2025

National Microtia & Atresia Awareness Day is November 9th!

Craniofacial Microsomia (CFM), also known as Hemifacial Microsomia.
(📷 courtesy of MedlinePlus)

In addition to being born w/Microtia & Aural Atresia, some children are also born w/Craniofacial Microsomia. This when one jaw is shorter than the other causing one jawbone to be shorter than the other as well as one eye slightly lower than the other. There may be additional related syndromes including Goldenhar Syndrome & CHARGE Syndrome. Additional surgeries may be needed as options. Again, know what all of your options are so you can make the best decisions.

Craniofacial Microsomia: is a term used to describe a spectrum of abnormalities that primarily affect the development of the skull & face prior to birth. Microsomia means abnormal smallness of body structures & is the 2nd most common congenital facial anomaly following cleft lip & cleft palates, occurring 1 in 5600 births.

Surgical options:
1. Reconstructive jaw surgery - a surgical procedure that is done through a combination of surgical cuts in the bone using bone & cartilage grafting.

2. Jaw distraction (or mandibular distraction osteogenesis) - is an option where a jaw distraction device is surgically implanted in the jaw that can help lengthen the jaw by slowly cranking the jaw, extending it & allowing the new bone to become stronger & even out the asymmetry of the jawline.

3. Outer ear reconstruction - reconstructive surgeries that can include the rib graft surgical technique or the (PPE) porous polyethylene surgical technique involving a preformed ear implant made of Medpor, SuPor or OMNIPORE material.

4. Oral surgeries
Many of our children may need to have teeth extracted or braces.

5. Additional options for Craniofacial Microsomia
a. Plastic surgery where porous polyethylene implants can be implanted to help even out the symmetry of the face (chin, cheeks & forehead).
b. Botox injections can also be used to help even out symmetry of the face.

All of our children are beautiful & perfect in every way! Know your options so you can make the best decisions & be your happiest!

TY!
Ear Community

07/31/2025

As we close out National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, we at RUSH FACE Forward reflect with gratitude on the stories, strength, and resilience of the families and children we serve.💜

Throughout July, we've renewed our commitment to building a future where every child with a craniofacial difference has access to compassionate, coordinated, and equitable care — no matter their background.

This month may be ending, but our work continues year-round. Let’s keep advocating, supporting, and showing up for these incredible families because every face deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

05/21/2025

🚴‍♂️ Face Forward Spotlight: Tim Duggan 💙
Everyone saw the road cyclist. The national champion. The Olympian.
But Timmy Duggan has always seen himself as more.

Born with a cleft lip and palate, Tim underwent treatment throughout much of his youth. "I never really dwelled on it," he reflects, instead pouring his energy into skiing and cycling—passions that would eventually take him all the way to the 2012 U.S. National Road Race Championship and the London Olympic Games, where he finished just seconds behind the leaders.

Despite a devastating crash in 2008 that left him with a life-threatening brain injury, Tim made a remarkable comeback, showing the same resilience that’s defined his entire life. After retiring in 2013, he began focusing on something even bigger: advocacy.

“Cycling has been my identity, how a lot of people in the world know me,” he says. “But that’s not what defines me.”

Today, Tim supports organizations like Operation Smile, helping ensure children around the world can access life-changing surgical care. According to Operation Smile, 9 in 10 people globally can’t access even basic surgery—leading to bullying, isolation, and serious health problems. Tim never experienced that level of hardship himself, but he's committed to making sure others don’t have to either.

At Face Forward, we’re proud to celebrate people like Tim, who not only chase their dreams—but also turn their journeys into fuel for change. 💪

From cleft palate to the Olympic peloton, Tim Duggan is proof that what makes us different can also make us unstoppable.

03/21/2025

This , we highlight Adam Pearson, a British actor, presenter, and activist redefining representation for individuals with craniofacial differences. Adam was born with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow along nerves.

Adam has built a remarkable career in film and television, starring in movies like Under the Skin alongside Scarlett Johansson and his recent film A Different Man with Sebastian Stan. Beyond acting, he uses his platform to challenge beauty norms, advocate for disability rights, and promote inclusive representation in media.

Join us in celebrating Adam Pearson’s impact! His resilience and advocacy continue to inspire the world to see beauty in difference.🌟💙

Este , destacamos a Adam Pearson, un actor, presentador y activista británico que está redefiniendo la representación de las personas con diferencias craneofaciales. Adam nació con neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1), una condición genética que provoca el crecimiento de tumores a lo largo de los nervios.

Adam ha construido una carrera notable en cine y televisión, protagonizando películas como Under the Skin junto a Scarlett Johansson y su reciente película A Different Man con Sebastian Stan. Más allá de la actuación, utiliza su plataforma para desafiar los estándares de belleza, abogar por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad y promover una representación inclusiva en los medios.

¡Únete a nosotros para celebrar el impacto de Adam Pearson! Su resiliencia y defensa continúan inspirando al mundo a ver la belleza en la diferencia. 🌟💙

02/21/2025

🌟 Introducing FACE Forward Friday! 🌟

We’re excited to launch , a weekly series where we highlight inspiring success stories of individuals with craniofacial differences. Our goal is to celebrate resilience, spread awareness, and provide hope to families navigating similar journeys.

To kick off our series, we’re featuring Gaten Matarazzo, best known for his role as Dustin on Stranger Things. Gaten was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic condition affecting bone and teeth development. Despite facing multiple surgeries and challenges, he’s become a successful actor and a passionate advocate for CCD awareness. Through his platform, he’s raised visibility for craniofacial conditions and even helped others with CCD find support and treatment.

Gaten’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-acceptance. His story reminds us that differences do not define potential—they empower it. 💙

Join us every Friday as we continue to share uplifting stories that inspire us all to keep moving face forward!