Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a national nonprofit organization, has partnered with University Health in San Antonio to provide free reconstructive surgery to children in Texas who are underserved and in need of medical care. This partnership aims to address the growing demand for life-changing medical care for children.
Fresh Start is now accepting applications for their upcoming surgery weekend on June 24 and 25 at University Health in San Antonio. This weekend is for children who need cosmetic and reconstructive surgery as well as related medical care, in addition to meeting specific requirements.
Program officials say Fresh Start Surgical Gifts transforms the lives of disadvantaged infants, children, and teens with physical and cosmetic deformities by providing reconstructive and plastic surgery at no cost to patients or their families. Top surgeons donate their time and expertise to offer them the medical care they need, as well as a fresh start in life.
“We are excited to accept as many new applicants as we can to help the children of San Antonio through our new expansion and partnership with University Health,” says Shari Brasher, CEO of Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. “This will allow us to serve so many children in San Antonio through the expertise of our wonderful doctors, volunteers, and team members at University Health.”
Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is hoping to help five to seven new patients with free surgery at University Health, led by surgeon in chief of pediatrics Ian Mitchell, MD. Fresh Start and Mitchell welcome applications from all patients, with any type of case, from their heads to their toes.
“There are children out there who need surgeries and procedures that don’t have the right insurance, or live in the wrong place, or they don’t have the resources to get them,” Mitchell says. “Fresh Start and University Health can help make profound changes in children’s lives by getting them the care they need here in San Antonio. With the right start in life, their potential could be limitless.”
Reconstructive procedures may include surgeries like cleft lip and palate, eye and soft-tissue surgeries, as well as laser procedures for scarring or skin conditions such as port wine stains and birthmarks.
“Volunteers among physicians and staff are lining up to make surgery weekend a success for our patients,” says Brasher. “We are excited about being able to offer these services and have a range of specialties we can bring in, depending on the needs of the patients who apply.”
