AP Comp. Gov & English 12 Final By: Kenny Veiga

What I Want to Be Orthopedic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon  Want to help people overcome injuries, or tragic accidents that have inflicted physical and/or emotional pain upon people.  Lives would most likely not be at risk under these professions.

What I Don’t Want to Be

How I Can Make a Difference?  Pro Bono work on surgeries that will make a lifelong impact on people in need. Two Things that Come to Mind: People With Cleft Palates/ Cleft Lips Burn Victims

What is a Cleft Palate/Lip?  Cleft palate and cleft lip are birth deformities that are present in about 1 in 1,000 births, and can often be repaired with surgery.  Cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth is not completely formed, and leaves an opening into the nasal cavity. The gap can occur in the front of the mouth (hard palate cleft) or closer to the throat (soft palate cleft). Cleft palate is not as noticeable as cleft lip because the deformity is on the inside of the mouth.  Cleft lip is a deformity where the top lip does not form completely, this can extend up into the nose.

Complications of Cleft  Cleft palates can cause difficulties in feeding infants due to lack of suction capabilities  People with Cleft Palates are susceptible to multiple ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss.  Cleft Palates can impair tooth development if cleft extends through upper gum.  Children with clefts are more likely to have social, emotional and behavioral problems.

Cleft Classifications

Physical Symptoms of Burn Victims  First-degree burns- These burns affect the epidermis, redness and slight pain are common at the site of injury.  Second-degree burns- Second-degree burns involve the superficial dermis, and sometimes the reticular layer of the dermis, there is often redness and blistering at the burn site.  Third-degree burns- Most of the epidermis is lost, and some damage is done to ligaments, tendons and muscle. Third-degree burns char the skin, and scar tissue is often present at the burn site.

Youssif’s Story Youssif is a 5 year old boy from Iraq who was doused in gasoline and set on fire outside of his house in Baghdad by unknown masked men. Youssif was brought to America to receive treatment for his burns thanks to the help of the Children’s Burn Foundation. When Dr. Peter Grossman heard Youssif’s story, he agreed to perform reconstructive surgeries on Youssif, free of charge.

The Surgery Here Is a Video Describing Youssif’s Surgery: Click Here. Click Here.

Youssif Today Youssif has undergone over six surgeries to reduce the scar tissue around his face. The scarring around his mouth impaired his ability to eat most foods, now Youssif can eat whatever food he wants. Today Youssif can touch his face and not feel pain.

Conclusion  These surgeries simplify peoples lives forever.  They can lead normal lives despite the tragedies/misfortunes they have faced in the past.  They will not have to face the psychological pain that their deformities bring.