Fresh Start Surgical Gifts

I've had the privilege of seeing the amazing transformations that Fresh Start provides to children and it is truly inspiring. Fresh Start is an amazing non-profit that gives ALL of the money donated directly to children. They help with travel expenses, housing accommodations, medications, follow up surgeries and so much more. Their help is allowing kids to have a brighter, happier future. They continue to provide services until the best possible outcome is reached and sometimes that takes years! It is absolutely wonderful what they are doing and I cant wait to see the future of this organization!

I've been to a few of the events that Fresh Start has hosted to raise funds for these very deserving children. The staff and volunteers are so dedicated and seeing how they are transforming children's lives - is amazing. Such a great cause, and very honored to be associated with the Fresh Start Team!

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is a wonderful organization that truly gives kids a fresh start in life. The love and caring a child or teen receives from the time they enter into the program is unmatched. All medical expertise and surgical care is provided by world class medical professionals and support staff completely pro-bono. During my time with Fresh Start I saw kids that would not make eye contact or smile become self-assured, confident young men and women. Most heartwarming is that many of the Fresh Start patients I knew as kids now come back as college students and adults to volunteer – that’s the highest praise an organization can receive.

There is never any cost to the family and Fresh Start patients stay in the program until the best possible outcome is achieved.

My wife introduced me to Fresh Start and their mission to provide a better quality of life for underprivileged children through the gift of reconstructive surgery. What stood out to me about Fresh Start is the passion of the volunteers (surgeons, nurses, medical providers and staff) and that 100% of donations go into the medical programs. The positive impact this organization can make on a child and their families’ life is incredible! Each child receives long-term care and follow-ups to ensure the best medical outcome.

The work that Fresh Start does never ceases to amaze me! I have personally seen children whose lives are changed due to the reconstructive surgery, dental and medical treatments – all at no cost to patients and their families. I especially love that 100% of contributions go directly to Fresh Start's medical programs. 100%! Plus, each child receives whatever follow up care and treatments are necessary post-surgery. I have been honored to help them and contribute personally and professionally to this amazing organization and will continue to do so.

I've had the pleasure of working with the Fresh Start team for almost four years now and the entire crew has just been amazing. This team is truly dedicated to their cause, helping out not only locally and nationally, but worldwide to change the lives of children in need of their services. What really makes Fresh Start stand out to me is the fact that they support their patients long-term, providing not only surgeries (often several for just one patient), but ongoing therapy and more, and patients include many who started their journeys with Fresh Start as infants and are now in their teens, still receiving the attention they require. I've also been fortunate to hear about patients' journeys first-hand and it's just an incredible thing to witness. The sense of confidence that Fresh Start helps these children gain is something that is priceless. Many of them just want to fit in and feel like a "normal kid" -- the services and resources that Fresh Start provides give them just that, and helps them blossom into such amazing people. I am grateful to know the Fresh Start team and help support their mission!

I have had the pleasure of working with the Fresh Start team for various outreach events and cannot be more impressed with how devoted and dedicated this team is to helping change the lives of children. They are very proactive about their efforts to raise as much awareness as possible for this nonprofit and it's so nice to work with such positive and friendly people!

I've always believed that if one has the ability and capacity to help, then they are obligated to do the right thing. This charity has a really great aim to improve the quality of life of children with medical needs, all with the help of an entirely volunteer staff (which is pretty incredible!) These people are here because they care and are committed to making a difference by devoting their free time to a great charity.

I have had the incredible opportunity to partner with and support Fresh Start in their mission to provide a better quality of life for underprivileged children through the gift of reconstructive surgery. What makes Fresh Start so unique and really strikes a chord with me is that the volunteer team of surgeons, nurses, medical providers and staff is extremely passionate about this cause and donates 100% of their time, allowing for all sponsor donations to go directly back into the medical programs. The positive impact this organization can make on a child and their families’ life is incredible and I am honored to support them and grateful for their efforts.

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is an incredible organization dedicated to helping children all over the world. It truly is amazing what they do every single day. I have heard so much about the team and their mission and I am truly inspired. They are completely devoted to their mission to help and transform lives - something they should be greatly applauded for.

My company works with Fresh Start and I have to say that they are a group of kind, hardworking and caring individuals that always seem to put themselves in front of others. The lives that they change on a daily basis and the help that they're able to provide across the globe is so inspiring. Fresh Start has really helped me put my life and goals into perspective and has energized me to give back to my community. 100% of contributions go directly to Fresh Start's medical programs. I couldn't think of a better organization to stand behind.

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is an amazing nonprofit that provides underprivileged children with life-changing reconstructive surgery and medical treatments – all at no cost to patients and their families. 100% of contributions to go directly to Fresh Start's medical programs. Not only do they help transform the lives of children from around the world but they also create healthy, bright futures and instill confidence in each of their patients. Fresh Start also maintains long-term relationships with their patients, providing extensive follow up treatments and years of surgeries and medical services for most cases. Fresh Start takes a one-of-a-kind approach to address each child’s individual needs that includes laser clinics, dental clinics and a speech therapy clinic. Once a child is accepted into the Fresh Start program, volunteers will not rest until the best medical outcome has been achieved. This is a truly inspiring and generous cause that provides life-changing care to thousands of children in need.

I worked with fresh start this summer and I was awed by its achievements. The charity is dedicated to the children it benefits, and the staff truly works hard to make each patients' journey a success.

I have been volunteering with Fresh Start for almost a year now and have fallen in love with the work of the organization and the impact they have on their patients. This group is a true family, from the staff to surgeons, to volunteers and supporters. It is so refreshing to see that 100% of their contributions go directly to their medical programs so every donation fully helps children gain the self confidence they deserve. Seeing the transformations and smiles of the patients and their families just melts your heart and you know that your efforts here made a genuine difference in their lives!

Wow - what a REAL commitment to children who need life changing surgery. Fresh Start gives these children and their families a fresh start on their life. 100% of contributions go to helping these families have a Fresh Start. Everyone on their team is so committed and you can see that in everything they do or touch. Come to one of their "surgery weekends" and you can see this first hand for yourself.

Fresh Start Surgical Gifts provides cost free surgeries to kids from around the world to repair facial deformities & facial damage from major accidents, including places for the parents to stay free of charge during surgery and recovery. Many doctors, dentists, nurses, etc volunteer their time and surgical skills to make it happen. The staff of Fresh Start Surgical Gifts work wonders with the few fund-raiser events. A group of volunteers serve on the board in support of the full time staff.!

Great charity! Contributions go directly towards surgery for kids in need.

Thank you for your splendid mission, dedication and love.
You not only make a difference in patient's lifes. You also touch the heart of people around them, by demonstrating that caring for the others is possible and make a concrete change in society.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for changing the life of my nice and nephew, and their family.
I'll be honored in participating as a volunteer. I don't know if there's something I colud do inspite the fact of distance. You still count with my prayers. Please tell everyone that they're changing our glass to see the world. Blessings

I volunteer for this organization, and they are great! There are no complaints from me. The Director of Development does a wonderful job in their duties!

Fresh Start is an outstanding charity. One hundred percent of the donations it receives are used to improve the lives of the children it serves. There are very few charities in the world that can make that claim. When my wife and I donate to a worthy cause, it is important to us that our donation be used in an appropriate manner rather than consumed in administrative costs. With Fresh Start, we know that our wishes in that regard are always fulfilled.

I have volunteered time on Surgery Saturday's and really enjoyed seeing all of the Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, and other experts give their time to such a wonderful cause. One particular patient that came from Russia was such an inspiration. She had undergone so many surgeries over the years and had such a great attitude. I would drive home wondering how such a young person could go through so much and deal with all of the issues she had faced and always be so happy. It puts a lot into perspective for those of us that don't face the same type of challenges. Volunteering for Fresh Start helps so many children and families, and truthfully, it helps the volunteers just as much! You can't work with Fresh Start and not gain an appreciation for the work that they do and all that you are blessed with.

Fresh Start is dear to my heart. I have volunteered as an RN over the years. I have watched some of the children grow up and find their sparkle after reconstructive surgery. Each volunteer gives their heart and energy for the children and young adults. I have met many fine kindhearted professional and lay persons giving their time to Fresh Start. As volunteers we are treated beautifully on the surgery weekends. My only wish is that I could give more time to this organization.
Our patients are the most grateful, brave special kids and adults!!!!

Fresh Start is one of the most amazing organizations in this field. From a donor point of view this is a dream come true. all financials are made available for public inspection and all questions are answered promptly. The attention and care the kids and families recieve is second to none. I have been involve and exposed to many children's health care charities and I highly recommend Fresh Start Surgical Gifts both as a resource for kids in need and for potential donors looking to make a meaningful investment in a child's future.

I have only volunteered several times but I can say that it has been an absolute pleasure to help others aside Fresh Start employees and volunteers.

I have been volunteering at Fresh Start for about 5 years and will continue to volunteer for as long as I can. The staff is wonderful, everyone makes you feel like your part of the Fresh Start family. I have gained more from Fresh Start then I think I have given. It is a trully rewarding experience.

Volunteering for FRESH START has given me the Gift of love. Over the past two years I have seen mothers weep, families elated with joy, over the transformation in their childs life. To be a volunteer makes my life richer.

I’ve worked with Fresh Start and attended their events for over seven years. They are a group of dedicated and passionate doctors, nurses and volunteers.

The surgical gifts Fresh Start provides allow children with facial deformities a chance at a normal and productive life. One where they can leave the places they hide and enter the public without the humiliating stares and stigmatizing that often come with their deformities. Many of their patients come from cultures that are deeply intolerant. Fresh start gives them dignity and hope that would otherwise be difficult at best.

You would be proud of the work that they would do with any contribution you made.

Grant Ghow

I have been a volunteer recovery room RN with Fresh Start for 7 years and have watched this organization grow and expand its mission to assist children with physical deformities get the surgeries they need to transform their lives , even assisting with the expense of travel and accommodation.The staff are truly dedicated to meet the needs of both the children and their families, going the extra mile when something unexpected occurs. Mimi, the volunteer coordinator does an outstanding job ensuring all positions are covered with a very positive supportive manner.Fresh Start is an organization that watches its bottom line so the dollars go where they are needed most and is worthy of financial support

As a working actor in Hollywood, I have the privilege of playing in a lot of Celebrity Golf Tournaments that support a number of charities. I first was invited by Fresh Start to participate in their annual event a few years ago. Never have I met an organization that is so selfless in their pursuit of an individual cause. From the surgeons that donate their time for surgical procedures and counseling, to all the staff and volunteers that help so many children through their Foundation. Children born with physical deformities have a tougher time growing up, being accepted and leading normal, healthy lives. I am proud to be a supporter of Fresh Start and the humanitarian work they do for our children.

Jeff Rector

I work for a hotel company that has assisted Fresh Start Surgical Gifts with lodging for their families coming for Surgery Weekends since the end of 2008. In addition I have attended a couple of their fundraising events and have loved meeting their volunteers and their staff. Lupita and Mimi are truly dedicated to the Fresh Start mission and continually show that through their energy and positive outlook. Fresh Start makes a difference in children's lives that far surpasses any tangible measurement.

I began volunteering with Fresh Start after my daughter took an internship with the organization. I have enjoyed every event and project and feel deeply moved by the mission and services they provide to children with physical deformities. As an elementary school teacher I see first hand how dramatically a child's life can be transformed when the right help is provided. Fresh Start transforms the entire child, inside and out, and allows them the opportunity to grow into healthy, happy and productive members of society. Great work!!

Fresh Start came into my life through one of my close friends that began interning at the non profit. She asked me to volunteer at one of her events which was a Celebrity Golf tournament and dinner. Everything was well organized, the turnout was great, the people I met were pleasant to work with and they raised a lot of money for children with physical deformities to get free surgeries. It was then that I really realized what Fresh Start really did. My brother was born with a cleft lip and palate and went through several surgeries as a child and well into his teens. I have witnessed firsthand how much a surgery like that can make a difference in someone's life and how important this organization is to the children that receive these surgical gifts. After that, I volunteered at their grand opening of a surgery center at Rady's Childrens Hospital and was able to meet some of the doctors that volunteered their time along with some of the top supporters of the company... another great experience. They take great care of their volunteers and even have an annual volunteer appreciation dinner. Knowing this, you can just imagine how great they take care of their patients and what a giving company this is. Since, I've attended several other Fresh Start events along with volunteering at the Golf event for the second time in which they surpassed their goal in contributions. I will continue to volunteer and intend to even join the Event Committee so I can help to make even more of a difference and so that Fresh Start can make a difference in me.

The reason I got started volunteering at Fresh Start Surgical Gifts was because of a school project. One of my College classes required us to do some volunteer time with an organization that they had contact with. At the beginning of the year we were given a big long list of places to choose from. I recognized one of the contact names on the list from the little league I used to work at. She ran the snack bar and just happend to be the volunteer coordinator for Fresh Start. I started working a couple weeks later in their offices, just helping out with mailings and file organization type stuff, which I have to admit was not that exciting. It wasn't until my first Surgery Weekend with the them that I got to see first hand why this organization is so special. I hand the rare oppurtunity, as a first time volunteer, to actually work in the OR. Even though my job was not glamorous in any way (I cleaned and sanitized the ORs after surgery) it meant I got to see the patients before and after their operations. I got to see the differences in each persons appearence from when they went in to when they came out and to know that everyone around me was doing this out of their own time was a great feeling.

I discovered Fresh Start Surgical Gifts over a year ago when a lifelong friend of mine began working for this nonprofit organization. I was so impressed with their cause to provide free reconstructive surgery to disadvantaged children and wanted to be a part of this great gift that would alter a child's life forever. I began my volunteer experience by helping at a fundraising event at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. I was able to meet many of the doctors that volunteer their services and the wonderful Fresh Start staff. It was great meeting all these influential people and hearing their experiences. At this event, a video was shown that told the stories of many children and families that have been personally effected by Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Even though I knew of thier mission prior to watching this video, it was such an amazing and touching moment to see the pure joy and happiness in each person on the screen. If this organization did not exist, so many children on a national and international level would not be able to live the fulfilling lives that they deserve. Since Rady Children's Hospital, I have helped participate at the Butterfly Ball and the annual golf tournament/fundraiser. I will continue to volunteer to show my gratitude for what they are doing in our community and because I love being a part of something so amazing as to help change a child's life! Thank you Fresh Start Surgical Gifts for all you have done and what you will continue to do in the future!

I have volunteered at a number of organizations over the years and I can honestly say that my experience with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts has been, by far, the most gratifying. As a translator, I have the privilege of working directly with the families and getting to see the children as they undergo life altering transformations. The nurses and doctors that volunteer their time treat the families with kindess and respect. The Fresh Start staff is kind, professional and caring beyond belief. I walk away from every surgery weekend feeling thankful and proud to be a part of Fresh Start.

Fresh Start is the first non-profit I have volunteered for and it has inspired me to continue volunteering for great causes. The staff treats the volunteers very well and they always show how much they appreciate us being out there. I've had the opportunity to sit in on some of the presentations while helping with tech support and there is an overwhelming sense of community and togetherness with everyone involved in the organization.

I began volunteering with Fresh Start Surgical approximately 3 years ago and have volunteered in various capacities when time permits. The most overwhelming sense of gratification and joy for me has been derived from the patients' stories of the surgeries that were performed on them and to see the photos and to actually hear some of the patients speak about their surgeries. These surgeries are more than surgeries for the patients; they are miracles, rendering the child presentable and whole with a brand new life ahead to look forward to. For them it has been a miracle; for myself, to witness the happiness in their faces and to know that the Fresh Start Surgical staff has changed their lives forever adds a dimension to my life that cannot be expressed in words. To be a part of that team in even the most minute way has enhanced my life, probably to the same degree, if not more, that it has the patients' lives. I appreciate this wonderful volunteer opportunity with Fresh Start Surgical, an outstanding, life-changing organization that works "miracles."