Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the Craniofacial Acceptance Month proclamation Aug. 26. Every year, about 100,000 children born in the United States with a craniofacial condition. They often suffer social isolation and other forms of discrimination. Because people are reluctant to interact with these children, many of them develop low self-esteem. It is important to remember these craniofacial conditions are physical, not mental, and people with these conditions can and do live fulfilling lives. Craniofacial conditions are abnormalities of the face or head that can result from abnormal growth patterns of soft tissue or bones, birth defects, disease or trauma. These are purely physical differences and the brain generally is unaffected by the disorder and is completely functional. There are 19 recognized craniofacial conditions: Apert syndrome; Carpenter syndrome; Cleft lip and/or palate; Craniosynostosis; Crouzon syndrome; Facial cleft; Facial palsy; Fibrous dysplasia; Frontonasal dysplasia; Hemangioma; Hemifacial microsomia/goldenhar syndrome; Microtia/artesia; Miller syndrome; Moebuis syndrome; Nager syndrome; Pierre Robin syndrome; Pfeiffer syndrome; Saethre-Chotzen; Treacher Collins. The Children's Craniofacial Association is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with facial differences and their families. It is a wonderful organization that addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions. CCA board member Paula Guzzo is an Evansville resident whose son, Scott, has a craniofacial condition. To learn more about these conditions or become involved with the CCA, please visit the CCA Web site at www.ccakids.org. |
