As a mother of two young children, I could not imagine not being able to provide them with the medical care they need to ensure they are able to live healthy lives, free from physical deformities. Unfortunately, this is a reality faced by far too many families.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. This will be one of the most amazing experiences in which you will ever partake. Transforming lives, one surgery at a time---What could be more fulfilling than that?

As you read the articles contained in this and future correspondence from Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation, it is my hope that our mission continues to resonate with you. Rest assured that your contributions (be them time, financial, or both) are immensely appreciated. On behalf of the children we serve, thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Utica J. Gray, PhD, MSHSA, BA

Chicago Regional Director

Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation

Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation would like to introduce 17-year-old Tristan. Tristan is a high school senior who enjoys creating art, drawing, and inventing new cartoon characters. In addition to being very creative, he likes to play basketball and video games with friends and spend time with his family.

Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation is honored to have Dr. Julie E. Park as a volunteer surgeon. Dr. Park serves as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She has expertise in reconstructive microsurgery and breast reconstruction. She also specializes in perforator flap breast reconstruction, which is only performed at a few dedicated centers nationwide. Since attending Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and completing her residency at the prestigious educational institution, Dr. Park has remained dedicated to women's health. Her diligence towards improving the quality of life of women who have suffered from breast cancer as well as her performance and research of reconstructive surgeries has garnered numerous accolades from her colleagues within the medical field. Dr. Park is excited to work with Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation, and we are thrilled to welcome her as a member of our volunteer medical team.

Although Dr. Park has a deep interest in women's issues, she also has compassion for children and teens who are in need of reconstructive surgeries. In 2006, Dr. Park participated in a medical mission trip to Columbia. While in Columbia, she realized that she really had a passion for helping others. Assisting others abroad prevented her from being with her growing family, which was very difficult for the surgeon. In 2007, she returned to Chicago and started working for the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Park's commitment to helping others and compassion towards disadvantaged children and teens makes her a wonderful addition to our volunteer medical team. According to Dr. Park, "Working with Fresh Start allows me to help kids in our neighborhood and fulfills my desire to help, while integrating that desire with my family life." October 25-26, 2014 marked Dr. Park's first Surgery Weekend with the organization. Dr. Park performed a bilateral gynecomastia procedure on a teenage boy. Her sensitivity towards the case made her the perfect surgeon to complete the procedure. She states, "Having breasts as a boy usually adds anxiety and embarrassment at one of the most crucial times during one's development. Unfortunately, most insurance providers will not cover this type of procedure, but it significantly contributes to the development of teen boys. After the procedure, boys usually become more active, more athletic; they start to lose weight; and participate in teen sports. I think this type of procedure really helps boys to build confidence in themselves."

As a result of her positive experience with Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation, Dr. Park encourages others to become involved with the organization and looks forward to continuing her own involvement. "People need to know about this organization. They need to know the organization exists," says Dr. Park. Her participation with Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation reminds her of the feeling she felt during her medical mission trip to Columbia, and she is very happy to be able to provide similar services to children and teens much closer to her family. She conveys, "It makes me really happy to do something like this. It's an honor. You feel so good afterwards. People can help this organization through donating resources, time, and money."