WILMINGTON, Del. – A Delaware family of doctors is on a special mission to raise awareness about facial differences, particularly cleft conditions, by sponsoring a Blue Rocks game at Nemours Children’s Hospital. The event, scheduled for Thursday, will feature patients who have been treated for cleft conditions, with one young boy taking center stage.
A Personal Connection to Cleft Awareness
Dr. E.J. Caterson, a plastic surgeon at Nemours Children’s Hospital, has a poignant reminder of his personal connection to cleft conditions. A photo of his 10-year-old son, Charlie, before his cleft lip repair surgery hangs proudly in his office. “It’s just something that makes you special,” Charlie remarked about his experience.
The story behind the Caterson family’s dedication to this cause is both touching and ironic. E.J. and his wife Stephanie, both plastic surgeons, met while working with Operation Smile, an international organization dedicated to repairing cleft lips and palates. “It is one of the most common congenital abnormalities in the world,” E.J. Caterson explained.
When their son Charlie was born with a cleft lip, the odds seemed slim that two plastic surgeons would have a child with such a condition. This personal experience inspired the Catersons to leave Harvard and move to Delaware, where E.J. now serves as the chief of plastic surgery at Nemours Children’s Hospital. He frequently performs surgeries on cleft patients, transforming lives with procedures that can last between 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
A Symbol of Strength
Charlie, who is about to enter the fourth grade, views his repaired cleft lip as a badge of honor. “I’m living a really good life, and it makes me feel stronger about myself,” the 10-year-old said. He is excited about throwing out the first pitch at the upcoming Blue Rocks game, which is dedicated to National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month.
Game Night Celebrations
The Blue Rocks game against the Hudson Valley Renegades will be a special occasion for many cleft patients treated at Nemours Children’s Hospital, who will join the Caterson family to celebrate their journey and raise awareness. Charlie expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I am very honored, and I can’t wait.”
This event not only highlights the Caterson family’s commitment to cleft awareness but also underscores the profound impact that medical advancements and personal experiences can have on both patients and their families.