Thursday, November 30, 2017

#ThankfulThursday: Counting Our "Wonder"-filled Blessings





By Kara Jackman 

We are thankful for so many things on this #ThankfulThursday....thanks to the door of opportunity that "Wonder" opens each day.  Let us take stock and reflect!

Today, we are thankful for our friends who shared their stories with newspapers, local TV news, online through their words and reflections.


We are grateful that we celebrate our differences. It is through sharing our differences that we grow closer together. 

We are grateful for the conversations that the book and the movie, "Wonder," have begun,  that make the craniofacial community more accepted and understood. We have made the world a kinder place by sharing our stories, struggles, triumphs and so much more.

We are thankful for the positive reception the movie received from the film critic community and the public. People embraced it with arms wide open thanks to the storytelling of R.J. Palacio and the creators of the film.

We are thankful for those members of the CCA community that have stepped up and spoken to classrooms filled with students all around the globe that read the book. You brought the book to life in ways that make the characters drawn by R.J. Palacio whole, complete, and authentic. You speak from your heart about your personal truth and experiences. We thank you for the great advice you give to children about advocating against bullying, asking kids to choose kind, and living life with integrity. 

We are thankful that the movie "Wonder" continues to be seen by more and more people in the United States and across the world, as it premieres in other countries. Each viewing means an opportunity for increased kindness in this world that sometimes can feel unkind and bleak.

Finally, we are thankful for the hope cultivated by your actions and activism. The country, world, and universe need this hope. You are it! Keep on going!

Thank you!

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

#WonderWednesday: #BeTheChange Say South Carolina Students For "Wonder" Screening Party


Our friends at Harbison West Elementary School in Lexington and Richland Counties in Columbia, South Carolina Columbia wrote to us and sent photos and videos of their "Wonder" screening party. It looked like a great time! Bethany Reilly and Brenna Lamprey write:  

"Our event was a huge success and we wanted to thank you so much for working with us! 


We wanted to share a video that our district’s communications department put together from our event. We had a great turnout and amazing feedback from all who attended about the movie and the event. Thank you all for your support throughout this process and thank you for making our kiddos’ dream of holding this event come true."

Thanks friends for rocking kindness in South Carolina. #BeTheChange #ChooseKind

Check out the slide show of images and video the team at the Harbison school put together.


Monday, November 27, 2017

#GivingTuesday: How Can You Help CCA?



Happy #GivingTuesday! Here are a few ways you can help CCA. 
1. Donate $100+ today and receive this beautiful scarf that celebrates both the holiday season and the debut of "Wonder" in theaters nationwide. Each $100+ donation will be matched, doubling your charitable impact. 
2. Give a donation amount of your choice this #GivingTuesday on Facebook and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match your gift. You can TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT by giving via this option, with a two-fold match.
3. Donate you car, motorcycle, boat of RV -- working or not -- to CCA. Learn more about donating your wheels at this webpage.
Why Should You Donate?
This year is a special one due to the release of the film adaptation of the New York Times bestselling book, "Wonder." The national attention has brought us so many requests and we've been working hard to fill them all! We are so proud of the conversation "Wonder" has started because the characters in the story reflect a reality that over 25,000 families in the United States must face each year -- a child born with a facial difference. CCA is here to help by providing financial assistance for travel to hospitals with qualified, board-certified medical professionals to help children in need of lifesaving, reconstructive surgeries.  
In addition, we also offer educational and social enrichment programs for the craniofacial community through the Annual Family Retreat and Educational Symposium. Each year families and adults come together to support one another and form lifelong friendships, hear from medical experts, and participate in off-site activities.
Programs for people beyond the craniofacial community include educational overviews and pamphlets on various craniofacial conditions, kindness education, bullying prevention programs, and "Wonder" curriculum and teaching packets for middle school students.
With your help, CCA can do even more to make the world a kinder place for everyone. Please consider donating today so we can continue our mission to "empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by facial differences." 
Sincerely, 
Children's Craniofacial Association 

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Holidays! Celebrate With CCA Ornaments and Cards

It's the most Wonderful time of the year. Many of you may have already put up your Christmas decorations. If so, please add a little CCA to your tree or wreath with this beautiful ornament. 

Send Happy Holiday greetings to your family and friends with our custom designed Christmas cards. Thank you Bradley Harding and Dan Gremminger for your amazing designs. 



Trim your Tree with CCA!




Set of 20 cards, 4 different designs, with original artwork and poems by Bradley Harding and Dan Gremminger, longtime CCA supporters.



#ThankfulThursday: #GivingTuesday Is Just 5 Days Away!


#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 28. 

#GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together. 

To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the celebration of giving, please visit: Website: www.givingtuesday.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday Twitter: twitter.com/GivingTues

Donating on #GivingTuesday will help CCA fulfill its mission of education and empowerment. Our mission states that we "addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions." We do this in the following ways


  • Provide funding for medical travel so children can get to qualified, craniofacial centers
  • Create educational materials about the many different craniofacial conditions for adults, children, and medical professionals, 
  • Offer an annual retreat and symposium day in the United States for families affected by  craniofacial differences
  • ...And so much more!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Learn About #GivingTuesday, November 28, 2017


#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 28. 

#GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together. 

To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the celebration of giving, please visit: Website: www.givingtuesday.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday Twitter: twitter.com/GivingTues

Donating on #GivingTuesday will help CCA fulfill its mission of education and empowerment. Our mission states that we "addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions." We do this in the following ways


  • Provide funding for medical travel so children can get to qualified, craniofacial centers
  • Create educational materials about the many different craniofacial conditions for adults, children, and medical professionals, 
  • Offer an annual retreat and symposium day in the United States for families affected by  craniofacial differences
  • ...And so much more!

Monday, November 20, 2017

Six Ways To Teach Kindness, New Lesson Plans Available



Educators around the country rejoice! CCA's Wonder curriculum is not available with just a click of the mouse. Click the images below to access a PDF of the lesson plans that you can use in your classroom. Thank you to Carolyn Johnson for her hard work on the curriculum for our teachers.























Friday, November 17, 2017

Family Spotlight: Vargas Family



Since Olivia Rae's 3rd CCA Retreat in Reston, VA she has been spreading her kindness and leaving an ever lasting impression behind, that she, like other CCA Kids, are not in fact ordinary, but extraordinary! As parents of a craniofacial child we believe the importance is believing in your child and bestowing  it upon them to never let their disabilities get in the way of theirs dreams, and she has done just that. With the movie Wonder coming out this November, Olivia starred in the commercial ad for the GapKids Back-to-school campaign and a live documentary that is scheduled to air prior to year end. In conjunction she is also hosting a private screening of the movie Wonder with the idea of bringing awareness to the communities and raising funds for CCA.  We couldn't be more proud. But as I stated we teach Olivia that the sky is the limit and boy did she fly.

Olivia is extremely compassionate about horse riding. Who knew that what started out as equine horse therapy would lead to so much more. Olivia trains at Dana Desiderio Ltd. in Bedminster, New Jersey. Since Olivia has been riding her self confidence has improved dramatically. She is more out going and daring as could be.

Starting October 2016, she took 2 classes a month. By May 2017 she dedicated all  her spare time, as she prepared for her very first Arabian Horse Association National Competition in Oklahoma City, OK. From the CCA retreat we headed west to Lexington VA, Olivia's very first show. She has to qualify in order to complete in Arabian Horse Association Nationals. Olivia competed in the Arabian and Half Arabian Hunt Seat Equitation Walk Trot 10 & Under class against approximately 30 riders, where she placed top ten. Three weeks later, Olivia also competed in the Arabian Horse Association Nationals in Canada and placed top ten in the same category.

Despite Olivia's achievements, she is currently facing procedures as a precaution to stabilize her airway.  Olivia seeks professional medical treatment at Children's Hospital of  Philadelphia. In mid May while prepping for a pallet expander it was noticed by the Olivia's orthodontics doctor that her airway looked extremely narrow through an x-ray. Days later on our Disney family vacation I noticed that Olivia breathing pattern had changed, and it wasn't for the better. Upon arriving home I immediately reached out to her doctors. A sleep study was in order which resulted in a failure and diagnosed with a 14% sleep apnea result, the very first stages of airway obstruction. Although highly disappointed, it was a blessing that we as a team was able to detect her airway condition, unlike her prior 2009 respiratory obstruction. Future procedures are being taking and a possible 4th jaw distraction in the near future. 

 Last but not least Olivia loves and adores her two brothers. Dominic Michael and Olivia Rae share something that is unbreakable and undeniable. A love that can not be broken. Ever since Dominic was born, Olivia has a little sparkle in her eye that is specially held for him. When these two are together nothing else matters. There are many laughs and many memories in the making. Most of you are not familiar with her other brother we call him Max, the four-legged, hairy, shedding, drooling boxer that she loves with all her heart. 


Thursday, November 16, 2017

#ThankfulThursday: Let's Get Ready For #GivingTuesday






Children's Craniofacial Association has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. 

The Reason 

Occurring this year on November 28, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the US) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support. 

The History 

 92Y − a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around its core values of community service and giving back − conceptualized #GivingTuesday as a new way of linking individuals and causes to strengthen communities and encourage giving. In 2016, the fifth year of #GivingTuesday, millions of people in 98 countries came together to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $177 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness. “We have been incredibly inspired by the generosity in time, efforts and ideas that have brought our concept for a worldwide movement into reality,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and executive director of 92Y. 

“As we embark on our sixth year of #GivingTuesday, we are encouraged by the early response from partners eager to continue making an impact in this global conversation.” 

Donate TODAY!

Those who are interested in joining CCA’s #GivingTuesday initiative can donate here. 

Learn More

For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTues and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on social media. 


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

#WonderWednesday: Washington Post: Girl Tells Wonder Author What Book Means to Her





Reading can help us make sense of our world. I do not know what I would do without the information and escapism books provide. They can help you enhance your mind or boost your mood taking you to far off lands away from from the rigors of daily life. 


The book "Wonder" enhanced Clair Juip's life in immeasurable, powerful ways. The power came from the book "Wonder." The New York Times best-selling book, written by R.J. Palacio, helped Clair Juip better understand her and her brother's struggle with a rare disease called, Friedreich’s ataxia, which affects the nerve cells in the body. The characters of Auggie Pullman, and his sister Via, in Palacio's book helped Clair make better sense of her own reality. After entering an essay contest, Clair had the opportunity to meet the author in September. Watch the video in this link for more details on this story.  





Friday, November 10, 2017

Writing Prompts From Our Friends At "The Mighty"





Here are some great writing prompts from our friends at The Mighty. Writing helps me organize my thoughts and process my feelings. You can use these prompts in your own personal journal, to submit a your story to this blog, or to help you become a contributor to The Mighty. Ready, set, sharpen your pencils.....ANNNNNDDD get writing!


1. Create a “survival guide” for taking on the holidays with your or your loved one’s health condition. You can choose a specific holiday or keep it general to the season. What advice would you give someone who finds this time of year challenging due to health?

2. Make a “wish list” of gifts that could really help you or your loved one with a health condition. Don’t view this as being selfish! We get requests from people often asking what gifts to get their friends and family with a condition. Your suggestions may help a lot of people!

3. Write a response to a recent news event or trend, and how it affects you or your a loved one with a health condition. For an extra challenge, pick a topic that, on the surface, many wouldn’t think affects your health, but does. Explain its impact on you, or if you have an opinion, voice your take on the issue (respectfully).

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

#ThankfulThursday: Roma's Wonder Boot Raises Money and Awareness



Roma Boots, a Dallas-area boot company created a boot to celebrate the premiere of the movie "Wonder" in theaters on November 17th. Together, CCA and Roma will take a step toward kindness with the sales of Roma's turquoise-hued, star-studded, children's boot. We are so very excited to be working together to raise awareness about facial differences and share in Roma's goal to #GivePovertyTheBoot.






Sam Bistrian, CEO of Roma boots, wanted to help as many children as he could through his shoe company.  He especially wanted to positively impact the poorest of children in his native country of Romania.  Bistrian combined his love of fashion, shoes, and philanthropy, starting Roma boots. Each pair of boots sold benefits a child in need of shoes or boots in Romania. One pair of boots sold, means one child somewhere in the world will receive a pair, too.


Bistrian and CCA Executive Director, Erica Mossholder met in Dallas, TX. They shared their stories of feeling different, Bistrian because he was an immigrant and Mossholder because she was born with a facial difference. Mossholder spoke to him about CCA's #ChooseKind campaign. Bistrian's flare for kindness fit well with the CCA's mission to empower people with facial differences around the country. Now, CCA and Roma boots are working together to share kindness with the world.


To help Roma meet their goals of giving shoes to children in need and spreading kindness worldwide, please purchase a pair of the Roma signature Wonder boots here.


Learn more about the Wonder boot by watching this video.





Tuesday, November 7, 2017

#WonderWednesday: Louisiana Students Read Wonder and Skype with "Real-Life Auggies"


Students in Watson, Louisiana skyped with Meg Storie and Angie and Marco Garcia after reading "Wonder." CCA was able to pair this enthusiastic group of students with these "Real-Life Auggies" at the request of Amanda Jones, librarian at Live Oak Middle School. Here are some photos Jones took of the event. The students are clearly very engaged in what Meg, Angie, and Marco as they share their stories. We thank all three of them for being a positive representation of our CCA community and for spreading the message to #ChooseKind. Thanks, you guys rock!







Mercy Craniofacial Team in St. Louis Creates #ChooseKind Tree



Dana Kiley is a powerhouse and "Wonder" ambassador. She works as team coordinator at Mercy Kids in the Cleft Lip and Palate and Craniofacial Team in St. Louis, MO. She was featured on St. Louis local news station KMOV Channel 4. Watch the video of the interview on their website.

In addition to spreading the word about the upcoming movie, Kiley created this crafty response to the story and spirit of "Wonder" through her kindness tree. This cool idea has us at CCA thinking about the holiday season. What a great idea!  

Try something like it in your clinic or at your school to celebrate the book and movie Wonder out in theaters on November 17th.

 Here's what Dana had to tell us about her creation: 

 Our clinic really enjoyed coming up with acts of kindness to put on the tree…I would recommend other clinics to do this as a teamwork/formation activity too.  And we left extra blank ones next to the tree so patients/families can leave other ideas on the tree. 


    
     



Text on Choose Kind Tree Star reads: 
An act of kindness can help others in a great way. 
Please take an act of kindness off the tree and complete it today.
If you think of another act of kindness to add to the tree,
please write it and add it for others to see.
Sponsored by the Mercy Cleft Lip/Palate and Craniofacial Team
Inspired by the film “Wonder”

Monday, November 6, 2017

Winner of CCA Car Raffle Chooses Dodge Ram




Nick Wiese, CCA Adult and fundraiser, hands over the keys to Adam Freiss, the winner of CCA's first car raffle. The drawing took place on October 1st. Mr. Freiss had a choice of a Dodge Ram, Chrysler Pacifica, or a Jeep Wrangler. He chose the Dodge!  Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets. We really appreciated everyone's participation. 


Saturday, November 4, 2017

CCA 'Real-Life Auggie' Program Goes International...To Germany!




"Wonder" couple Angie and Marco Garcia, both born with Apert's Syndrome, spoke with students in Germany taking CCA's "Real-Life Auggie" program international. They chatted with Mr. Flores' 4th grade class at Vogelweh Elementary in Kaiserslautern,
Germany for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school system after they read the book "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. 

Your class or group can host a Skype call with a Real-Life Auggie, too. Contact Annie Reeves about making it happen. 

Friday, November 3, 2017

CCA's Wonder Curriculum Available Instantly ONLINE



Educators around the country rejoice! CCA's Wonder curriculum is not available with just a click of the mouse. Click the images below to access a PDF of the lesson plans that you can use in your classroom.
























Thursday, November 2, 2017

Wonder Screenings - Find One Near You!



CCA has been working very hard to host private, advanced screenings in areas around the country. If you are interested in attending one of these special events, please contact the office to find out more.
New Brunswick, NJ
AMC New Brunswick 18
Saturday, November 18, 2017
3:00pm
Eatontown, NJ
AMC Monmouth Mall
Saturday, November 18, 2017
3:00pm
Tridelphia, WV
Marquee Cinemas Highlands 14
Thursday, November 16, 2017
6:30pm
Pittsburgh, PA
Cinemark North Hills & XD
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
6:00pm
Vernon Hills, IL
AMC Hawthorn 12
Thursday, November 16, 2017
7:05pm
St. Louis, MOcoming soon!Ronnie’s Cinema
Thursday, November 16, 2017
6:00pm
Little Rock, ARcoming soon!
Cinemark Colonel Glen & XD
Friday, November 17, 2017
9:45am
San Diego, CA
Escondido Stadium 16 & IMAX
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
7:00pm
San Jose, CACentury 20
Saturday, November 18, 2017
11:00am
Mission Viejo, CAcoming soon!Cinepolis Luxury Theater
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
6:05pm
Houston, TXcoming soon!
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
6:30pm
Dallas, TX
coming soon!
Cinemark 17 & IMAX
Thursday, November 16, 2017
7:05pm
Seattle, WA
more info coming soon
Cinemark Lincoln Square Bellevue
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
7:05pm
ADDITIONAL SCREENINGS
Durham, NC
American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Family Services Screening
AMC Southpoint 3D IMAX
Sunday, November 19, 2017
2:30pm
Anaheim, CAcoming soon!
Moebius Foundation Screening
Cinema City Theaters
Saturday, November 18, 2017
6:30pm