Listening, Learning, and Connecting: M.E. Sanders' Work with Craniofacial Families

We recently sat down with M.E. Sanders our FACES Camp Assistant to chat about her new role  overseeing the FACES Client Impact Study and Survey. M.E. shared about her day-to-day work, the insights she’s gained, and what inspires her most about connecting with craniofacial families. In this Q&A, she shares how her personal experiences shape the compassion she brings to her role and the deep connections she builds with families along their journeys.

Describe your new role, and what your day-to-day looks like

 In my new role, I spend most of my time connecting with former FACES families to hear about their experiences with FACES and their craniofacial journeys. These conversations provide valuable insight into the challenges that families have faced, the support they have received, and how their lives have been shaped by these experiences.

What’s your favorite thing about this new role?

What I enjoy most is building connections with families I may not have met in person but feel closely connected to after our conversations. Some families are familiar to me through social media, while others I am meeting for the first time. Families often share their child’s medical journey, how FACES helped them access care, the many surgeries their children have undergone, and how they have grown stronger together. Whether they are nearing the end of their surgical journey or still in the midst of it, these stories are both moving and inspiring. 

Are there any lessons or insights this role has given you? 

This role has reminded me that everyone carries challenges, whether or not they talk about them. Having Pfeiffer syndrome myself, I relate deeply to many of the experiences these families describe, including surgeries that don’t always go as planned. One mother shared how her daughter nearly lost her life during surgery but ultimately pulled through and is now thriving. Stories like these are powerful reminders of resilience and hope. 

What is it like to connect with other craniofacial families? 

Connecting with other craniofacial families feels like joining an extended family. There is an immediate bond and mutual understanding that comes from shared experiences, and that sense of community creates strength and encouragement for everyone involved. 

What do you hope to bring to the role? 

I hope to bring compassion, empathy, and relatability. By sharing my own experiences, I want families to feel understood, supported, and less alone as they navigate their journeys. 

If you are a former client of FACES and are interested in sharing your craniofacial journey with us, as well as how FACES’ help impacted your family, please email M.E. Sanders at mary@faces-cranio.org. We would love to hear from you. You can read more about M.E. on our Team page of our website or follow her on social media.