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Heber fell from a hammoc when he was 5 years old, the trauma caused him to be intubated in the ICU for 17 days which caused stenosis and which is how he ended up with a tracheotomy. When he was 12, he fully expected to be living with it for the rest of his life, that was until he met Mending Kids surgeon, Dr. Ayal Willner, who promised to help him and restore his vocal chords. After multiple surgeries in Guatemala and the United States, Heber was finally mended. His vocal chords restored and breathing without a device, he is currently studying to be an accountant, with plans to graduate in 2025. We honor Heber with the Hope Award because his story is a testament to the transformative power of hope in the face of adversity, and he serves as a source of inspiration for others facing medical challenges.
For nearly two decades, Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s has provided unwavering support to Mending Kids, from their surgeons and medical teams volunteering their services and time, loaning specialized equipment or donating care for our patients at their center, from Africa to Asia and Central and South America they have and continue to make a profound impact on the lives of countless children globally. As early partners in our Hometown Mission, they have played a pivotal role in bringing world-class surgical care to our local community.
Their steadfast commitment extends beyond the surgical suite, as they have consistently supported our campaigns, helping us raise awareness and critical funds. Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s enduring dedication to pediatric surgical care not only exemplifies the Love Award but also inspires us all. With profound gratitude, we honor them for their unwavering love and care, their commitment to transforming lives, and their enduring support for Mending Kids.
We are proud to honor Dr. Jason Frischer with the Mend Award at our Imagine Gala. As a world-renowned pediatric colorectal surgeon and a dedicated board member of Mending Kids, Dr. Frischer, who serves as the Director of the Colorectal Center at Cincinnati Children’s, has consistently demonstrated unparalleled skill and unwavering dedication to mending the lives of children suffering from colorectal conditions. His outstanding record includes leading eight surgical missions to the Bugando Medical Center in Mwanza, Tanzania, where, alongside his remarkable team from the Colorectal Center in Cincinnati, he mended over 130 children.
Dr. Frischer has not only played a pivotal role in healing and improving the lives of countless children but has also been instrumental in supporting and elevating the standards of care at the Bugando Medical Center, guiding them toward self-sustainment. His exceptional contributions are the embodiment of the Mend Award, and we are privileged to recognize his extraordinary work in our mission to bring healing and hope to children in need. Dr. Frischer's dedication and profound impact make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
Mending Kids is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization registered in California, United States of America.
21255 Burbank Blvd., Ste 120
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
+1 818-843-6363
Hello@mendingkids.org
Tax ID: 95-4394305
