5-Year-Old Boy Suffering Lifelong Teasing for Protruding Ears, Receives Hope with Donated Surgery | |
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On, Wednesday, September 9, 1998, Sean Landaverde received corrective plastic surgery that will free him from the merciless teasing he has endured during most of his young life.
Sean, of Simi Valley, is no stranger to medicine. He was born with several health problems, including displaysia in both hips, for which he has had three surgeries. However Sean also was born with prominently protruding ears that have exposed him to lifelong ridicule and teasing. Sean has been teased and taunted by other children. He dreaded school, refused to play with other children and has internalized their cruelty, saying, "I have big ears, I'm Dumbo." |
| Sean prior to surgery | |
| After being rejected for corrective surgery by her HMO because Sean's condition was not "life-threatening", Sean's mother, Ana Acosta, appealed to the California Society of Plastic Surgeons Alliance (see information below), a volunteer organization that raises funds to support corrective surgery and therapy for needy California children. His case was accepted and performed pro bono by plastic surgeon and CSPS member, Edward A. Pechter, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Valencia. |
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| Sean after surgery | |
| Dr. Pechter performed Sean's otoplasty (ear surgery) at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia, which donated the services of its Outpatient Surgery Center. Anesthesia services have been donated by the anesthesia group of Howard Singer, MD, also of Valencia. |
| Sean and Dr. Pechter three days after the surgery | |
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What is the
California Society of Plastic Surgeons Alliance? The Alliance is composed of 100% dedicated volunteers, working toward a common goal of helping needy children build a more positive self image and lead a happier, healthier, more productive lives. While similar groups exist to help disfigured children nationally and abroad, the Alliance is dedicated solely to the children of California. The California Society of Plastic Surgeons Alliance may be reached at: 525 Spruce Street San Francisco, California 94118. phone: (415) 668-9496 |