In October, Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Hospital in Ukraine will welcome the medical mission "Face the Future" for the third time. This initiative, led by American and Canadian facial plastic surgeons in collaboration with Ukrainian medical professionals, focuses on providing reconstructive surgery for patients with complex facial deformities, particularly those affected by traumatic injuries. Notably, this life-changing service is offered free of charge to Ukrainian patients in need.
Face the Future Foundation's mission aligns with the broader global society's commitment to addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, this initiative contributes to the SDG related to health and well-being, striving to reduce the surgical burden faced by individuals, especially children, in developing countries through transformative facial reconstructive surgery and education.
Since its inception in 1996, Face the Future Foundation has conducted 51 missions across Ukraine, Africa, and Asia. These missions have resulted in over 3,000 consultations and more than 3,500 medical procedures, profoundly impacting the lives of 2,000 patients. Notably, these missions have contributed significant value, totaling as much as $1 million in services, equipment, and supplies.
The Foundation's vision revolves around alleviating the suffering of individuals with complex facial deformities, allowing them to face the future with hope and promise. To achieve this vision, the organization assembles diverse surgical teams and support staff, providing life-altering surgery to less advantaged children and young adults. Additionally, Face the Future Foundation is dedicated to lifelong education for healthcare providers, promoting the highest standards of care and enhancing sustainability in the regions it serves.
What sets this initiative apart is its willingness to tackle the most complex cases, even those that top-tiered North American surgeons and hospitals might find challenging. Furthermore, the impact extends beyond the surgical procedures. Face the Future Foundation prioritizes training local medical staff, nurses, and other professionals, ensuring that skills and knowledge remain within their home countries. By doing so, they create a lasting legacy, offering hope and changing lives, one child at a time.
In line with the broader goals of the global society, Face the Future Foundation exemplifies the strength, activity, and progressiveness of the global community working collectively to address global challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable world.
More information: https://www.facethefuturefoundation.ca
Youtube credits: @facethefuturefoundation2085