Fall - AboutFace

Face Forward
AboutFace
A community of support for people with facial differences
Volume 21, Number 2
Fall 2008
The Inside Story
Speaking Personally
Jade’s Story – A Catalyst of
Change
by Trina Brooks
2
Changes at AboutFace USA
by Dr. Jim Anderson
3
AboutFace in the
Community
3
Trailblazers 2008
Youth Camps Across Canada
4-5
Life Skills
Interviewing for a Job
by Bruce Gallagher
6
AboutFace
123 Edward St.
Suite 1003
Toronto, ON M5G 1E2
416-597-2229
1-800-665-FACE
Fax 416-597-8494
www.aboutface.ca
William Archer
Awarded the
First AboutFace
Scholarship
AboutFace is proud to announce the recipient
of the 2008 National Scholarship Award. Mr.
William Archer was awarded a $1,000 scholarship
in recognition of his academic achievement and his
dedication to community service with AboutFace
and other organizations in his community. Mr.
Archer lives with his family in Whitby, Ontario,
where he graduated from Anderson Collegiate.
This fall he is studying Journalism: Print and
Broadcasting at Canadore College in North Bay,
Ontario.
The AboutFace National Scholarship Fund
was established to recognize the personal and
academic achievements of AboutFace youth
embarking on post-secondary education. For more
information visit www.aboutface.ca.
p Shown here are Anna Pileggi (L), Executive
Director of AboutFace with Will and his parents,
Glen and Diane Archer.
Changes at AboutFace USA
Effective October 1, 2008, there have been changes in structure and
operations at AboutFace USA. Details on p. 3.
speaking personally
Jade’s Story
J
by Trina Brooks
Become a
Catalyst of
Change
You can help change
attitudes and opinions
in your community. It
can be as easy as leaving
AboutFace posters and
flyers in your local hospital
or doctor’s office. If you’d
like to make a commitment
to raising public awareness,
visit www.aboutface.ca
for information on
volunteer opportunities.
ade-K a rly Ti a r a
Fra ser wa s bor n
March 24, 1997 in
the community of East
Preston, Nova Scotia.
When Jade was born she had a bit of bruising on
her face and the doctors told us that it was caused
by the stress of the birth and that it would go away.
After five days, the swelling and discolouration
increased. We saw a specialist who diagnosed Jade
with a Capillary Hemangioma. Soon we began
laser treatment. This was a very difficult time for
the whole family. As a mother, it was especially
hard to see my little girl go through this procedure
monthly. Unfortunately, what we hoped would
be the solution was only just the beginning.
During one of the laser sessions Jade momentarily
stopped breathing. The doctor assured me this
was nothing to worry about, but we decided to
stop the treatment as a precaution.
As a result of the Hemangioma, Jade’s lips
were massively swollen, so that she had trouble
speaking. At the age of 5, Jade had surgery to
help reduce the swelling. She also began speech
therapy, which helped a great deal. Already Jade
has undergone several plastic surgeries, and we are
still awaiting another. Much of the information I
read said that by the time the child is 5 this type
of birthmark would start to go away on its own, I
guess our Jade was an exception to this rule.
From day one I never hid my baby because
she was so beautiful. I use to call her my little
Pocahontas because of her shiny jet black
hair and smooth caramel skin. It was difficult
to understand why people would stare and
sometimes even blame me for the way she looked.
My first reaction was to stare back and ask them
what they were looking at. As time went on I
learned how to deal with difficult situations in a
better way. In fact, when people stared or made
comments, I’d open up and explain that our little
girl was normal—she just had a birthmark. Often
people were so embarrassed for staring, they’d just
walk away. As Jade grew up I made it my mission
to know everything there was to know about
Hemangiomas and share my knowledge with
friends, family, teachers and the community.
Jade is now almost 11 years old. Our family
includes her Dad and me, her big sister and
three little brothers. She is very close with her
grandparents who think the world of her and who
offer a lot of love and support to our family. Jade
loves to sing and dance and takes pride in her
appearance. It makes me proud that she knows
just how beautiful she is. Jade loves school and has
had wonderful teachers over the years. During her
last surgery, her teacher even took the day off and
came to the hospital to offer support.
I often wish that I could give Jade the world and
all the good that’s in it, but I realize that love is
more important than material things. We all have
our good days and bad days but never once did I
want to give up. I knew God gave us Jade because
we are the perfect family to raise her with lots of
love. Jade still has a long road ahead, but from of
all of this she has become a wonderful young lady.
The challenges we’ve faced have helped our family
and community become much more sensitive to
everyone’s individual differences.
Face Forward is published by AboutFace International: ISSN 1191-5595
A b o ut Fa c e I nt e r n at i o n a l , 123 E dwa rd St ., Ste. 10 03, Toronto, ON M 5G 1E2 • 416 -597-2229 • 1- 8 0 0 - 6 65-FACE
info@aboutfaceinternational.org • www.aboutface.ca • Charitable Registration # 12676 1410 RR0001 • Executive Director: Anna Pileggi
\ Fall 2008
Editing, Design and Printing: GEPM Group Inc., www.gepmgroup.com
A Catalyst of Change
in the community
AboutFace USA
October 1, 2008
Dear USA Members and Donors,
Recently there have been some
changes in structure and operations at
AboutFace in the United States. The
Board and management of AboutFace
USA have decided to forge a new
organization to reflect their vision and
direction. We wish them success.
With that change, AboutFace is
proud to incorporate the members and
friends of AboutFace USA into its main
operations and will continue to serve its
members from across North America
from its head office in Toronto, Canada.
US members are welcome to connect directly to AboutFace to access
our online community bulletin boards,
elementary school programs, e-newsletters, publications, adult tele-seminars, youth camps—Camp Trailblazers
and biennial global conference. These
are just a few of the many programs
and services we offer. To ensure your
membership with AboutFace is active,
go online and sign up or call us on our
North American Toll Free Hotline
– 800-665-FACE Ext. 21.
Since 1985, AboutFace has served
individuals and families touched by
facial differences. We have established
a strong reputation of producing quality
resources and educational programs;
as well as providing emotional support
services and networking to encourage
and empower those touched by facial
differences.
Our vision of expanding around the
world continues with the reality that via
the internet, the world is accessible to
anyone, and information, experiences
and friendships can be shared, nurtured
and strengthened through this medium.
We look forward to continuing serving you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Anderson
AboutFace, Chairman of the Board
AboutFace in
the Community
M
eet AboutFace’s Community Rep Team! Our Community Rep Program is
designed to help AboutFace establish a local presence in communities across
Canada. With the help of these generous volunteers, we are able to expand
programming, increase local access to key services, and build community awareness so
that we can support individuals and families close to home.
To find a Community Rep in your area visit www.aboutface.ca.
Danièle Laroche
Debbie MacFarlane
Ivy Yu
John and Karen Pauls Kim McMullen
Krista Nicholson Leanne Popko
Scott and Angie Bryant Lisa Sooley
Hailey Pinksen
Montreal, PQ
Alfred, ON
Vancouver, BC
Winnipeg, MB
Cambridge, ON
Winnipeg, MB
Calgary, AB
Halifax, NS
St. John’s, NL
Lethbridge, AB
This year, Community Reps have helped AboutFace build local awareness with a
variety of activities:
Picnics
On June 22, AboutFace Reps hosted three picnics across Canada – in Calgary, Winnipeg
and Toronto. Fun was had by all!
Presentations
There have been several presentations in various communities, including Halifax, Calgary,
Winnipeg and Ottawa.
Posters
AboutFace has prepared a series of posters that are available to volunteers who wish to
help us build community awareness. To request posters, call Charlene at 1-800-665-FACE,
Ext. 21 or e-mail her at info@aboutfaceinternational.org.
To learn more about becoming a Community Rep, contact Leanne at
leanne.aboutface@yahoo.ca.
Fall 2008 /
Trailblazers Ca
It was like a dream come true to go to
camp and meet new amazing people who
care about you. I have to say this camp
was an experience everyone would love! It
was just amazing, cool, happy and every
other good thing in the world!!
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grea vities!
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i
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love
nova scotia
Ontario
My daughter loved camp
more than words can say!
newfoundl
\ Fall 2008
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Two more camps
coming in 2009! Visit
www.aboutface.ca
for dates and
locations.
Fall 2008 /
Photo credit: BigStock Photo 425508
life skills
Interviewing for a Job
Whether it is for part time or full time, a job interview is
something we will all do many times over the course of our
lives.
by Bruce Gallagher, B.A.,
M.Ed.
I
t is a process that causes various levels of
anxiety for most individuals. For those people
who have a visible or non-visible difference,
there is the added stress of not knowing what
reaction the interviewer might have when they
first meet you. As an experienced job coach
and youth counsellor, I have worked with many
young adults who have faced various challenges
heading into the job market. The following
recommendations are based on my experiences.
Preparing for the Interview
One of the best ways to impress a potential
employer is to enter the interview with a good
knowledge about the position and the company.
This may mean visiting the company website or
reviewing newspaper articles. Things to consider
may be:
• What product they make or sell
• Where they are based
• How many employees they have
• What geographic area they serve.
Also research whatever you can about the
position that you are applying for and the industry
average salary. From your research, develop some
\ Fall 2008
questions to ask the employer. This shows that
you are resourceful, inquisitive, motivated and
prepared. It will also serve as a useful tool to help
you decide whether or not you really want the job
or if the organization is a good fit for you.
It is good practice to plan ahead as much as
possible. Choose your clothing the night before
and ensure that it is clean, pressed and lint
free. Dress appropriately for the position and
remember it is better to be a bit over dressed than
too casual.
Always bring an updated copy of your résumé
and a page of your references. Carry them in
a portfolio or large business envelope to avoid
bending the pages.
Being late makes you look bad and leaves you
feeling rushed and flustered. Plan your route ahead
and aim to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This will
leave you time to freshen up before the interview.
If you’re not exactly sure how to get there, do a
practice run ahead of time.
During the Interview
When you arrive, smile and make direct eye
contact with the receptionist. Give your name, the
name of the person you are meeting with and the
time of your appointment. Make sure that your
attitude is warm, positive and friendly. This will
help make a good first impression.
When the interviewer comes out to meet you
this is your moment to make a key impression.
Stand up, look them in the eyes while shaking
their hand in a firm but not tight manner.
Remember to remain positive and confident.
It is up to you to show the employer that you are
the best candidate for the job. You already know
the company has found something they like about
you in your résumé, which is why you have been
asked to the interview.
Make sure that you answer the questions
directly. Be brief if you can, but avoid using just
“Yes” or “No.” Elaborate on your answers when
needed. Stay on topic and be truthful.
Be aware of your body language. Make sure
that you sit straight in your chair, place your feet
flat on the ground, make eye contact and smile.
Have your hands relaxed on the table or on your
lap. Try not to move them around too much when
you are answering questions. Make sure that you
look directly at the person when speaking.
Have your own questions ready. Pull out your
portfolio or envelope at the beginning of the
meeting. It makes you look prepared and polished.
You are usually asked at the end of the interview if
you have any questions. This is your opportunity
to show the interviewer(s) that you have done
some research about the company and the position
that you have applied for.
At the end of the meeting, the interviewer(s)
will usually tell you about the follow-up process.
If they are not forthcoming with the information,
it is appropriate for you to ask what the next steps
are and when you may expect to hear back. Make
sure that you thank the interviewer(s) and tell him
or her that you look forward to moving ahead.
Once again, make eye contact, shake hands before
leaving and thank them for their time.
After the Interview
Call your references and inform them when they
can expect to hear from the interviewer. Provide
them with details about the position and who the
contact person will be.
Always send a quick e-mail or leave a short
voice message with the key or primary interviewer.
Thank them again for the opportunity and let
them know that you are looking forward to
hearing from them.
You may want to debrief yourself and make
notes about what went right and what you could
have done better. Rethink the answer to a tough
question to help prepare you in the future.
It may take a number of interviews before you
find a suitable position. Don’t be discouraged.
Even if an interview doesn’t lead to a job offer, it
was a chance to gain valuable experience.
‘‘
”
Make sure
that you look
directly at the
person when
speaking.
Common Interview Questions
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Why are you suitable for this position?
What interests you about working for our company?
What experience or skills do you have that relate to the position?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
How do you handle pressure or difficult situations?
Describe a situation that was challenging for you and how you addressed it.
When can you start?
How many hours a week are you available to work?
What is your expected wage/salary?
Fall 2008 /
resources
Making Faces: Logan’s Cleft Lip and
Palate Story
by Logan and Sonja Bristow
An educational resource for kids with cleft
lip and palate from the perspective of the
child. Making Faces: Logan’s Cleft Lip and
Palate Story is a comprehensive picture
storybook documenting the treatment cycle
of Logan Bristow, as she shares her personal
story, from surgeries, orthodontics, speech,
to social and school issues like teasing and
bullying.
Designed to help parents talk to their
children about their cleft and the treatment
process, the book is accurate in information
and written in simple language with lots of
pictures to enable children to understand
their journey.
$19.50 (inc. shipping and handling
within North America). 20% discount on
orders of 10 or more.
Another Face, a new book about
living with a facial difference
Text by Anna Lytsy, Photography by
Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin
Katie’s Dream
by Mariette Vermeylen-Nuyts, Belgian
Association for Congenital Facial Defects
(VAGA)
Another Face portrays the lives of five
Swedish men and women living with
facial differences. The subjects give candid
interviews about what their lives are like
and how their difference has had an effect
on who they are today.
The book evokes strong feelings in the
reader; compassion and sorrow but also
astonishment, admiration and respect. The
vivid photographs give further dimensions
to the challenges of living with a facial
difference.
Sold through AboutFace; $30 CDN plus
shipping and handling.
This storybook is about a little girl named
Katie who wishes to play the flute, but
discovers that because of her cleft lip and
palate, it is more challenging than she had
hoped. This is a warm and gentle story that
gives children with a cleft lip and palate a
realistic approach to some of the barriers or
challenges they may face in life and offers
hope for the possibilities in the future.
$19.95 USD. To order, contact Doug at
doug@hjsusa.com.
To order these or other books, visit our website or e-mail us at info@aboutfaceinternational.org.
02730391
123 Edward St.
Suite 1003
Toronto, ON M5G 1E2
Would you prefer to receive this newsletter by e-mail? Send your request to info@aboutfaceinternational.org or call 1-800-665-FACE.
Moving? Please let us know. Send your new address to AboutFace.
\ Fall 2008