Dionnie – Philippines
Dionne’s Story
Dionnie Marie Fayloga was born on Christmas Eve of 1978 with severe hyperteleorism and fronto-nasal dysplasia – a malformation of the face effecting her forehead, nose and philtrum causing wide-set eyes, split nose and severe cleft. After waiting for 27 years, Dionnie finally had the opportunity to travel this past September from her village in the Philippines to Medical City Dallas to receive life changing surgery by Dr. David Genecov of the International Craniofacial Institute. We are pleased to report that Dionnie is recovering well from her first surgery. She will undergo at least one more surgery in early 2008. Dionnie is trained as a teacher, but has had trouble finding employment because of her appearance. She hopes to return home with a new face, a new career and a brand new outlook on life.
From Dionne: My Life Story
In a small village in Caloocan City, Metro Manila, Philippines, a baby girl was born before Christmas Eve, the 24th of December, 1978. The happiness of my parents was a baby girl born for them. Call me Dionnie Marie or Dione for short. I’m the youngest and the only girl among six children. But something special I was born facial deformity. Anyway my parents gave thanks to our Dear Lord, and believe there is a purpose and plans for everything and what they need is to be patient and wait. Life goes on, my father died when I was two and a half years old. My mother is a public school teacher in our village and the only one struggled hard to pursue our studies.
Several years later, while growing up I never asked questions about my outlook. When I started going to school sometimes I feel embarrassed getting along with others. Some of my playmates and friends, shunned, stared, and teased on me. In college I found more friends. They feel me better about myself. I graduated B.S. Elementary Education. For the meantime I didn’t apply a teaching job. I’ve got to admit I have a facial deformity. There was a time, I take a look at the mirror, why. I can’t say sorry for myself and just to bear in mind what God said, “Everyone who ask, will receive.” Can’t say when, come it will. God is in charge.
Just a few years later (2001) we visited my mother’s cousin. Not knowing her son, Uncle Fred (Fernando Tamse) was there from California, USA. That was my first time to meet him. He greeted and stared on me. He told me, he wants to change my outlook and treated in the U.S. I said yes, if would be possible. This is my big chance and God heard my prayers which I am longing for. From that time on, it was a big quest to Uncle Fred. Then after a year, he found Dr. Kenneth Salyer on the Internet. Thanks, God. Dr. Salyer, the chairman of the Board of Trustees referred us to the World Craniofacial Foundation for help. Through the kindness and great concerned of Uncle Fred for my well being, he sent me an application form to fill up. I sent it back to him with photo closeups of my face and palate. To update the status of my application is through Internet. Many years later, a good news came the surgery was scheduled October 1, 2007. So we have to move on. This time we were having a big problem concerning airfare tickets. Thanks, God, through the coordinator of the Philippine Airline Foundation and World Craniofacial Foundation they provided us assistance for free airline tickets back and forth. We could not have traveled without their help.
The traveling day was September 7, 2007. I was accompanied by my mother. After an hour, we arrived in San Francisco airport and Uncle Fred pick up us at the airport. Two days later we proceed moving to Medical City Dallas with Uncle Fred for doctor’s appointment. First we met Carolyn, Joan Saynor, and Winifred Vass Rutenbar, family care director. Sue Blackwood, the Vice President of WCF. Later, they introduced us to Dr. Kenneth Salyer, the chairman of the Board of Trustees. After having appointment to Dr. Genecov, Dr. Barcelo, and Dr. Lazar, they told me the operation is risky. The risk is I may forever blind and may die. They said, they will do their best and everything is doing fine. I handed it over to God and all we can do is to pray. I have undergone two surgeries. The first was October 1, 2007 it lasted ten hours and second was January 16, 2008 lasted two hours. Even though lots of pain it was successfully done with the guidance of our Dear Lord. After seventeen days of confinement I was released of the hospital and was doing my part and recuperate quietly.
We returned home with Uncle Jim and Auntie Vivian Abalos in Garland, TX. Thanks for the best host family for giving us everything to spare time and effort the way they help me. I would like to thank everyone, the help and generosity that I received through Foundation. Finally, it’s time to go home in the Philippines. Thank you for everything. May the God’s give be with you all.
Love,
Dionnie Marie L. Fayloga
