Beyond The Face Is A Heart

We need your help!!!

Every so often you hear about a "cause" that sounds worthy, but just doesn't mean a whole lot to you. Well today I am going to help you put a face to the name of a cause that is near and dear to Us.


Here's the face you have grown to know & love:











Here's the cause we know & love:




Children's Craniofacial Association is celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. And like every other year they are working hard each and every day to raise awareness and acceptance for those affected with Craniofacial differences.

I knew enough about Austin's syndrome to know that he had Microtia. But when, at five weeks old, the Craniofacial surgeon mentioned Austin also had Hemifacial Microsomia, I was taken aback! I had never heard of that before and frankly when I can't spell or pronounce something it makes me very worried! Once I was home, I quickly found myself at CCA's website, which is filled with tons of resources and information.


Here's what they do:

CCA provides an 800 number for parents, educational information, physician listings, often times financial assistance and much, much more. Annie Reeves, Program Director, was a tremendous help to me while we lived in Dallas. And although they are based in Texas, CCA helps families all across the globe.

CCA recently produced a PSA and has started a new fund raising campaign with those little jelly bracelets made so fashionable by Lance Armstrong. The CCA slogan is imprinted on each bracelet: Beyond The Face is a Heart. Contact me if you would like a bracelet.



We're doing our part!! Austin is now fundraising for CCA through FirstGiving*. We have created a donation page at FirstGiving with a goal of $5500.00 (for now).

There is a button right over on the right side of the page where you can donate or you can click right here:



Please support a wonderful cause and spread the word:

September is Craniofacial Awareness Month

Help more kids like Austin, every donation allows Children's Craniofacial Association to continue their inspiring work.

*If we raise over $5000.00 by December 31, 2009 Austin & I will get our accommodations paid for at Cher's Family Retreat. The Retreat is held in a different area of the country each year. The last two retreats were held in Myrtle Beach, SC & Dallas, TX, respectively. The next CCA Retreat & Symposium will be in Boston in June 2010. Even if we don't meet that goal, we are proud to be raising money for a very worthy cause.

Thanks for peeking,