FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4th, 2010

NEWPORT BEACH PLASTIC SURGEON PERFORMS EAR SURGERY PRO-BONO FOR A 17 YEAR OLD YOUNG MAN.

Dr. Joseph Cruise of Cruise Plastic Surgery helps to change the life of Keola Lorenzo, 17, by performing his ear surgery pro-bono thus proving that the humanitarian spirit can shine even in dark financial times.

Newport Beach, Calif. --. Despite the current economic times, Keola Lorenzo, 17, reached out to the plastic surgery community in hopes of finding a surgeon with a humanitarian spirit. He was looking for someone, who could not only correct his life-long concern of protruding ears, but also to consider his difficult economical situation.

Dr. Joseph Cruise, board certified plastic surgeon, Newport Beach, Calif., gave him the ultimate gift of confidence by performing his Otoplasty Surgery pro-bono. The surgery not only enhanced his self-esteem, but also restored his hope that even in a recession, there are those who are still willing to give back and help others.

The condition of protruding ears starts at birth and is due to a congenital lack of curvature of the cartilage within the ear. Otoplasty helps to reposition the ears so that they lay flat against the scalp in a natural fashion, without drawing unwanted attention.

“It was disheartening when I looked into the mirror and my attention instantly went to my ears. People who are comfortable with their appearance may not understand, but those who have features that concern them will understand the feeling,” says Keola.

Seeing that financial times are tough, Keola sent out letters to various plastic surgeons in hopes that one may be willing to hear his story and take his financial situation into account. He was aware that it might be a lost cause due to the current economic climate, but his desire to have his condition corrected fueled his plight.

“I appreciate all that I have been blessed with; after all, I have an enjoyable life that could have so easily been ended a decade ago….  God has blessed me, not with a life of luxury, but with a good work ethic, a mind hungry for knowledge and a supportive family,” Keola wrote in his letter to Dr. Cruise.

Keola is an outstanding student who aspires to become an aerospace engineer and is planning to work hard for student grants and scholarships to help pay for his education.

Dr. Cruise was touched by Keola’s story and how he has managed to overcome severe health obstacles while maintaining such a high degree of gratitude and maturity. 

“I was impressed with Keola’s ambition and saw an opportunity to make a change in this young man’s life.  Self confidence is critical when trying to define yourself as a young man. If I have contributed, in some small way, to his ability to achieve success, then I have achieved my goal,” says Dr. Cruise.

Since the surgery, Keola has noticed the positive effect it has had on his life: “It is a great feeling to have normal looking ears and I know I will not have to endure a lack of self esteem and ridicule for the rest of my life,” says Keola.

Read more about Keola’s story.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Cruise or Keola Lorenzo please contact:

Cristin Stone
Phone: 949-644-4808
Email

About Joseph T. Cruise, M.D.

Joseph Cruise, M.D. a board certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, CA, began his career as a burn surgeon reconstructing disfigured burn victims; restoring human form to bodies and faces. He has since dedicated his practice solely to cosmetic surgery and educating the cosmetic patient. This dedication and focus is clearly evident in the comprehensive educationally based web site he manages and the concierge-like customer service his patients receive. Experience and predictably good results have earned him the distinction of being one of the busiest plastic surgeons in Orange County. Extensive information including numerous before and after pictures can be found at www.CruisePlasticSurgery.com including all face, body, and breast procedures. Also included is an elaborate section for Dr. Cruise's out-of-town patients who fly in from all over the world.