Join us for a relaxed Zoom conversation with a high school student who has walked a similar path. This is a chance to ask questions, hear real experiences, and connect with someone who understands.
Who can attend?
Children ages 8-14 with a craniofacial difference
Parents and guardians welcome
Monthly Virtual Meet-Up
Craniofacial Differences
for kids with
About
Hi, my name is Danny Constandse. I am a senior in high school, and I started the Friendly Faces OC teen support group for kids with craniofacial conditions to share my experiences and help build community among children with facial differences to help them feel less alone.
When I was younger and dealing with peers who didn’t understand my facial differences and surgeries that were scary or unsuccessful, I felt very alone. I had many adults who supported me in my school environment, on my health care team, and in my family, but I craved positive connections with peers.
I want younger kids with facial differences to know there are other young people who have experienced what they are experiencing, who have made it through difficult times, and who have leaned into their strengths, made connections with other people, and found ways to be happy and thrive.
I believe there is a benefit to having older adults help children with facial differences, but I think there is also an important need for older peer mentors and peer communities. Many kids with facial differences face rejection from their peers, and I believe that sometimes only connecting with a peer who has been through that and who can see them for who they are can give them hope that they can develop connections with friends their own age. Also, I think many times younger children look up to older teens and may listen and relate to their experiences more than they relate to older adults. I can share the friendships that I have built with players from my water polo team, students in my Humanities Honors Program, and teens in my neighborhood because I believe that all kids long for peer connection, and they will see that spending time together doing activities you enjoy is what really matters. The kids can also benefit from engaging in peer discussions with the other kids their age and being part of a peer community.
Acknowledgements
A special thank you to the following people:
Raj M. Vyas, MD FACS Vice-Chair, UC Irvine Department of Plastic Surgery Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery, CHOC Children's Hospital Professor of Plastic Surgery and Neurosurgery, UC Irvine School of Medicine Program Director, UCI/CHOC Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship Co-Director of Research, SHARE (Surgeons for Humanitarian Alliance in Reconstruction, Research & Education)
Sharon Vargas, RN, BSN, CPN Craniofacial Nurse Coordinator Case Management | Rady Children’s Health
Dr. Christine K. Thang, MD, UCLA Pediatric Craniofacial Specialist
Amanda Gosman, M.D. Professor and Chief of Plastic Surgery Director of Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery UC San Diego School of Medicine Chief of Plastic Surgery, Childrens’ Specialists of San Diego
Get in Touch
Whether you have questions about our events or just want to say hello, we'd love to hear from you. Join our community of friendly faces!
Email: friendlyfacesoc@gmail.com
Instagram: @friendly_faces_oc
Genuine Connections • Peer Support • Creating Community • Friendly Faces • Student Engagement • Inclusive Environment • Shared Experiences • Authentic Growth •