UI Health Craniofacial Center throws holiday party for young patients

Photos: Jackie Carey

More than 600 people — patients with craniofacial differences and their families — celebrated the holidays with UI Health Craniofacial Center doctors and staff Dec. 8.

Sponsored by the Face the Future Foundation and Star Events, the celebration included food, face painting, temporary glitter tattoos, a photo booth, cookie decorating, dancing, a visit from Santa Claus and gifts.

Dance performances were presented from Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos — a nonprofit that provides children, teens and adults an experience into Mexican culture and traditions by preserving and elevating heritage through the art of dance — and the Extensions Dance Company. Along with event staff, the dancers volunteered their time.

“Today is about celebrating and togetherness,” said Dr. Mimis Cohen, professor and chief of plastics, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery at the UIC College of Medicine and director of the UI Health Craniofacial Center. “Kids with craniofacial differences and their families have many complex needs, and we get to know them very well over many years. It is wonderful to spend time together outside the clinic.”

The UI Health Craniofacial Center is one of the oldest and largest facilities in the world dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of infants, children, adolescents and adults with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial conditions. A team approach is the hallmark of the center, where medical specialists and health professionals join together to provide interdisciplinary, comprehensive care in a single location.

The event is held annually.