Second fundraiser for cleft-palate surgery planned

A fundraiser organized by Danielle Johnson for her senior project raised $2,100 for a Bordewich-Bray fifth-grader in need of orthodontic and other work to correct a cleft palate. She is planning a second fundraiser this Saturday.

"It's gone so wonderful so far," Johnson, 18, said. "We had an awesome turnout last time. We've gotten a lot of support from the community."

Johnson had arranged with Reno plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Bonaldi to perform the surgery for free, as part of a program called "New Beginnings" his practice provides.

Carson City's Dr. Vincent D'Ascoli at first offered his services at half price.

However, Johnson said, she and the boy's family, who did not want to be identified, recently met with D'Ascoli, who agreed not to charge for the braces.

"I was very excited," Johnson said. "It was awesome. His family was so excited also."

Like the first fundraiser, this one will be a pancake breakfast at Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, 3300 S. Carson St., from 8-10 a.m. Saturday.

The boy will likely wear braces for two years, Johnson said, then be eligible for the surgery to graft skin on his soft palate to correct his speech.

By high school, the problem should be corrected.

"I don't think he should feel left out or embarrassed because of how he looks," Johnson said. "He should be treated like everybody else."

Senior projects are three-part assignments seniors must complete as part of their English classes. They include a research paper, a portfolio of an actual project then an oral presentation to community members.

Presentations this year will be April 30 and May 1.

Johnson said the project reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career in plastic surgery.

"Doing this project has just made me want to go into it even more," she said. "It makes it more of a reality seeing how it can change someone's life so drastically."

- Contact reporter Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1272.