Impact Report 2024

PROVIDING HOPE AND HEALING You make miracles possible.

Born in Guatemala with a severe facial anomaly, Raquel entered the world with a facial cleft so large she could fit her tiny fist inside. Her mother, Hilcy, searched tirelessly for help, but the complexity of Raquel’s condition left many doctors unsure of how to proceed. Everything changed when she arrived at Shriners Children’s Ohio, where a team of expert surgeons and caregivers welcomed her with open arms. Raquel’s surgery was anything but ordinary. The medical team reconstructed her skull, moved her eyes closer together, created a nose, and built a functioning mouth — all in one groundbreaking procedure. The complexity was staggering, but the mission was clear: to give Raquel the chance to live a full and joyful life. Now, thanks to the skill and compassion of her care team, Raquel can do ordinary things that once seemed impossible. She loves playing dress-up, blowing kisses, and enjoying foods she once could not eat — pizza, french fries, and pasta! Once fearful of how the world would see her daughter, Hilcy now beams with pride. “I am honored that Hilcy trusted me with her daughter and thankful that I could live up to that trust. I have great hopes that Raquel has a wonderful life, now that people can focus not on her face but her amazing spirit and personality,” shared Chris Gordon, M.D., a craniofacial surgeon at Shriners Children’s Ohio. Raquel’s story is proof of the life-changing impact you make possible. Because of your kindness, she has a future filled with confidence, laughter, and limitless potential. Thank you for giving children like Raquel the opportunity to reach for their dreams. •

I have great hopes that Raquel has a wonderful life, now that people can focus not on her face but her amazing spirit and personality.” DR. GORDON Shriners Children’s Ohio

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IMPACT REPORT 2024 | 11

RAQUEL, AGE 4