In The News

Cleft Palate Program Honors Supporters

Elected officials, WMMC physicians, local donors and dozens of happy, lively children celebrated the growth of the White Memorial Cleft Palate program at a colorful donor appreciation luncheon on June 12.
           
The event was held to honor those who have provided support for the hospital and the cleft palate program. Speakers included Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina; Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar; Mexican Consul General Juan Marcos Gutierrez-Gonzalez; Allan Perry, Jr. MD, medical director of the cleft palate program; Dick Sanders, chair of the White Memorial Charitable Foundation Board of Directors; and Neomia Hancock, mother of cleft palate patient Alexander, whose heartwarming story was told in the May 30 issue of STAT.

The Charitable Foundation is embarking upon a campaign to raise funds to further support the cleft palate program. The County of Los Angeles was one of the original donors of the Rainbow Children’s Center building project, with a $200,000 contribution several years ago, secured by Supervisor Molina. The city of Los Angeles, with Councilmember Huizar representing Boyle Heights, gave two grants for a total of $375,000 to complete the second floor of the Rainbow Children’s Center, which is now the home of the Cleft Palate program. The William H. Tilley Family Foundation and Shakey’s Restaurants made a very generous donation of $5,000, with Shakey’s providing the pizzas for lunch and gift bags for the children. The Tilley family has used White Memorial for three generations, receiving exceptional and life-saving care. The family was featured in a hospital ad campaign last year.

Dr. Perry is one of the most important reasons for the cleft palate program’s success. He has served as medical director of the program for many years, giving of his time and expertise in reconstructive surgery to help these tiny patients who have no where else to turn.

“Without the support provided by our physicians, our elected leaders, our community and our donors, the cleft palate program would not exist as it does today,” said President & CEO Beth Zachary. “This program is so important to children and families with cleft palate, who would otherwise suffer life-long handicaps.”

Click here to view Eastside Sun's publication on the cleft palate event at WMMC.

Posted 7/02/08