For the first time ever, the ASPS recognized four reconstructive surgery patients in a program called "Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity". Nominated by their plastic surgeons, these patients shine as examples of strength and perseverance overcoming tremendous difficulty and continuing with their life positively by giving back to their community. The program is sponsored through a grant from Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, and allows the specialty of plastic surgery to illustrate achievements of the reconstructive side of the specialty, which restores and refashions patients’ bodies and then their lives through the skill and artistry of the surgeons.

"The Patients of Courage program acknowledges patients who have gone through great trials and tribulations to sustain their life, and have not let their lives be destroyed by these terrible negative events," states ASPS President James Wells, MD.

PATIENTS OF COURAGE

The first patient, Tracie Metzger, of Cincinnati is a breast cancer survivor; Tracie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 30. After undergoing chemotherapy and breast reconstruction, she realized there were very few, if any, support groups for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. So, Tracie, with two other young breast cancer survivors, founded Pink Ribbon Girls (PRG) support group for younger women with breast cancer. PRG, which is growing nationally, goes beyond support. It provides education, fund raising, and such services as catering meals during chemotherapy or after surgery. As Richard B. Williams, MD, who nominated Tracie explains, "Tracie is one of those unique individuals able to tackle the physical and emotional aspects of her disease and turn it into a positive force in her life."

Scott Donnelly of Randolph, N.J., was born with a severe craniofacial deformity and has undergone countless surgical procedures by the age of 24. Currently, Scott is a senior at Kean University in New Jersey where he has a 3.8 GPA, and is preparing himself for a career devoted to improving the lives of patients with facial differences. He has spoken publicly about his facial difference since high school, written articles for a family support group for craniofacial conditions, Forward Face, and has volunteered for many organizations including the Hospice of New Jersey. According to Joseph G. McCarthy, MD, who nominated Scott and has watched him grow, "Scott’s determination, optimism, and general sense of caring inspire all that surround him."

Kevin Pollak, nominated by Frederick J. Menick, MD, was serving in Operation Desert Storm when his vehicle was struck by friendly fire, killing several soldiers and leaving Kevin burned over 30 percent of his body, especially his face and hands. Over a two-year period, Kevin had multiple surgeries for burns to his head and face, and a microvascular transfer of his toes to his hands because he lost his fingers in the accident. Even with these devastating injuries, Kevin remained positive. A self-proclaimed slacker in high school, Kevin decided to go back to school. Since the accident, he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Political Science degree from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., and recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona Law School. He now works as an employment lawyer for a prestigious law firm in Phoenix. According to Dr. Menick, "As his surgeon, Kevin is the most admirable young man I have ever met. I wish he were my son."

The final patient triumphed over severe trauma resulting from a rollover car accident that tore off her entire abdominal wall leaving her with extensive injuries to her bowel and internal organs. Alicia Rankey, nominated by David A. Caplin, MD, was wearing her seatbelt in the accident, but its incorrect positioning on her abdomen caused the injuries. Her seatbelt was not sitting low enough on the abdomen. Throughout her years of recovery and dozens of surgeries, Alicia became a national spokesperson for seatbelt safety. Her goal - to inform people not only the importance of using seatbelts, but also the positioning of the belts properly on the abdomen. Alicia is now married and has fulfilled her dreams of becoming a school teacher and giving birth to a child. According to Dr. Caplin, "Alicia interacted with hundreds of care-takers in her recovery, and they all left her bedside feeling they were better people having come to know and care for Alicia."

ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Visit www.plasticsurgery.org, for referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.