September 7th is “National Grateful Patient Day” here in the United States, and I have to admit I had never heard of this observance until this year. I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of gratitude each and every day, but learning about this day has led me to reflect on my own journey living with Goldenhar syndrome and how I truly identify as a “grateful patient.” When I think of my life as a patient, my first thought is of Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New Y

Every time I take the Mulholland Pass, it’s a familiar and beautiful view. The green mountain pass, filled with traffic, somehow has a comforting, familiar feeling. Three months post-op, and a lifetime of surgeries-- I find myself reflecting on this journey. In these final months of change, I was forced to face my ongoing fear of needles, rooted in recent health developments—a fear I had inevitably been avoiding due to my own medical traumas. Over a decade since my last crani

Hi my name is John Kippen. I am a a Motivational speaker and Magician. My face was partially paralyzed after a successful Acoustic Neuroma brain tumor removal in 2002 . Dealing with having a Facial Difference was not something I was prepared for. I had to learn to deal with peoples looks and stares and insensitive remarks. I found that I stopped socializing and would have to think twice about going out in public. I avoided mirrors and cameras like the plague. After almost 12