Worcester, MA — UMass Memorial Health’s Craniofacial Clinic at Children’s Medical Center is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. This first-of-its-kind collaboration will significantly enhance access to critical craniofacial care for pediatric patients, with a special focus on underserved communities.

The partnership will support the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts Patient Care Program, which aims to provideessential craniofacial dental and orthodontic care to children and adolescents under the age of 21 who face financial or logistical barriers to treatment.

“At UMass Memorial, we are committed to advancing health equity and ensuring that every child has access to life-changing care,” said Dr. Joyce McIntyre, Chief of Craniofacial Surgery at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center. “We are incredibly grateful for this ongoing collaboration. It will not only help our young patients avoid future medical complications but also offers improved quality of life and the opportunity for them to thrive in their communities.”

Over the next decade, the program is expected to help nearly 300 infants, children, and adolescents receive the specialized care they need.

“I am thrilled to welcome UMass Memorial Health to the Fresh Start family,” said Shari Brasher, CEO of Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. “This partnership allows us to expand our reach by providing critical craniofacial, dental, and orthodontic services, furthering our mission to serve every child in need. Having a presence in Massachusetts is a dream come true giving many more children hope for a brighter future."

As part of this partnership, the Craniofacial Clinic’s Administrative Director and Clinical Care Coordinator will work closely with families to develop and implement personalized dental and orthodontic treatment plans, ensuring comprehensive, long-term follow-up. Additionally, a Patient Support Fund will provide necessary post-surgical equipment, help coordinate ongoing care, and offer transportation support to ensure all patients can access treatment.

This partnership between UMass Memorial Health’s Craniofacial Clinic and Fresh Start Surgical Gifts promises to have a lasting impact on the lives of countless children, ensuring they receive the care they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

About UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center

UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center is a hospital within UMass Memorial Medical Center that provides comprehensive services to children throughout the region. As part of the UMass Memorial Health system, the Children’s Medical Center employs more than 200 medical and surgical pediatric specialists, offering a full range of services  or infants, children, and adolescents in a close-to-home, family-centered environment. Visit www.ummhealth.org/childrens for more information.

About Fresh Start Surgical Gifts

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young adults through the gift of reconstructive surgery, dental and orthodontic services. Fresh Start empowers individuals with physical anomalies or conditions to lead healthier and happier lives. With a network of volunteer medical professionals and community support, Fresh Start is committed to offering life-changing care to those in need, regardless of their financial situation. For more information, visit www.freshstart.org.

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