Foundation for Facial Recovery Launches to Help Those With Facial Palsy and TMJ

Foundation for Facial Recovery Launches to Help Those With Facial Palsy and TMJ

Foundation Will Conduct Research and Education Programs to

Benefit General Public and Medical Community

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – The Foundation for

Facial Recovery has begun operating after receiving tax-exempt status

from the IRS to conduct research and educational programs that help

those with facial palsy and TMJ conditions.

“Tens of thousands of men, women and children are diagnosed each year

with facial paralysis, and it is often alarming, confusing and

debilitating, both physically and emotionally,” said Ancelmo Lopes,

chairman of the board of the Foundation for Facial Recovery. “The

National Institutes of Health estimates that more than 35 million

Americans are afflicted with TMJ disorders, and many of them don’t know

it because their symptoms are unusual and the disorder is not

identified so they are not treated correctly when they seek medical

care. We believe there needs to be more dedicated research on effective

treatments and broader dissemination of useful information and

education to make a difference. That’s what the Foundation for Facial

Recovery is all about.”

The mission of the Foundation for Facial Recovery is to: (1) provide a

venue for the exchange of ideas and experiences with facial palsy and

TMJ disorder treatments and related subjects; (2) conduct research on a

broad spectrum of facial palsy and TMJ disorder treatments and related

subjects; and (3) educate providers, patients and the public about

facial palsy and TMJ disorders, their significance and treatment

options.

“Those suddenly stricken with facial paralysis often enter a maze of

confusion about what is happening to them, what can be done about it,

and where to turn,” said Jodi Barth, president of the Foundation for

Facial Recovery. “We have established the Foundation to reduce the

mystery around facial palsy, disseminate information, research

effective treatments and share them with providers throughout the

medical community.”

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of

individuals from the medical and business communities, including:

• Ancelmo Lopes: chairman of the Foundation for Facial Recovery, chairman

  of the board of Surgical Solutions, LLC, advisor to Bedford Funding, and

  has held numerous CEO and senior executive positions in leading U.S.

  healthcare companies;

• Jodi Barth, PT, CCI: president and Board member of the Foundation,

  licensed facial palsy therapist and co-founder of the Center for Facial

  Recovery;

• Gincy Stezar, PTA, CCI: secretary, treasurer and Board member of the

  Foundation, licensed physical therapist assistant and co-founder of the

  Center for Facial Recovery;

• Betsy Hirschel, LCSW-C: Board member of the Foundation, licensed

  psychotherapist in private practice with more than 20 years of

  experience;

• Victor Ibrahim, M.D.: Board member of the Foundation, board-certified

  specialist in physical medicine & rehabilitation and serves as the

  director of the Performance and Musculoskeletal Regeneration Center and

  team physiatrist for DC United;

• Michael Reilly, M.D.: Board member of the Foundation, board-certified in

  both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and serves as assistant

  professor of facial plastic & reconstructive surgery in the

  Department of Otolaryngology

• Head & Neck Surgery at Medstar

  Georgetown University Hospital & Medstar Washington Hospital Center;

• Susan Shinderman: Board member of the Foundation, more than 30 years of

  experience in a variety of housing, economic, and community development

  programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Foundation encourages all those afflicted with facial palsy or TMJ

and their families, friends and others who might be interested to get

involved in the foundation by contacting the Foundation at 240-833-2921

or info@foundationforfacialrecovery.org, or visiting

foundationforfacialrecovery.org.

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