A Day of Fun for Patients with Craniofacial Anomalies

Ann Arbor, MI — June 22, 2011 — Debbie Stambaugh lives on…in the smiles that are on the faces of children who come to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s craniofacial clinic…and in the hearts and memories of those who worked with her.

Stambaugh, a patient services associate who worked for 25 years in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, died unexpectedly in March 2010.  To honor her memory, staff, faculty, residents, and friends created the Debbie Stambaugh Craniofacial Children’s Fund.  Nearly $17,000 has been raised for special projects and programs, such as an annual Fun Day for children with craniofacial anomalies. 

Approximately 3,000 children in Michigan have been diagnosed with craniofacial anomalies, according to Dr. Katherine Kelly, an adjunct assistant clinical professor who treats patients with the anomalies at the School of Dentistry.  More than 600 children and young adults, ranging in age from 5 to 19, are evaluated by the U-M Craniofacial Team and have reconstructive surgery at U-M.  About 100 of them receive orthodontic care at the School of Dentistry.

“A Very Special Person”

“Debbie worked tirelessly for these children and their families, just like she worked tirelessly for her own family,” Kelly said.  “She managed the paperwork, which required significant amounts of time, contacted parents when needed, and also wasn’t afraid to argue with state officials when payment for services was denied.  Because Debbie was so supportive of patients and a friend to her co-workers, faculty, and students,” Kelly added, “I’m not surprised that her friends found a special way to honor her.”

According to Gail Baumgarten, clinic coordinator, efforts began a short time after Stambaugh died.  “Several of us were discussing ways we could honor Debbie’s memory and also help those she cared about, the children with craniofacial anomalies.  That’s how we came up with the idea to create this fund.” 

Anyone who worked with Stambaugh has a story they enjoy telling because it reveals the depth of her compassion for these special needs children.

“The kids always enjoyed seeing Debbie and talking to her when they arrived,” said Jennifer Peterson, patient services associate.  “It was always wonderful taking a moment to pause and watch the interaction and love Debbie had for them and they had for her.”

Dental assistant Heather Pesonen agreed.  “Those children touched her heart” as she recalled one patient, Mary, “that Debbie adored.  Debbie always stopped what she was doing when Mary arrived and invited Mary to come to her desk for a big hug.”

That compassion and desire to help the craniofacial patients live as normal a life as they possibly could, led to the creation of a Fun Day for them in Stambaugh’s honor.  Held last October, the event included a special appearance by swimmer and Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Vanderkaay.  Patients also received a goody bag with school supplies that included folders, pens, pencil cases, and other items.

“The first Fun Day was special for participants because they were not in a clinic.  Instead, they were in an environment where they could laugh and enjoy each other’s company,” Baumgarten said.  “The event was a big success.”

Craniofacial Patient Persuades State Legislature

Nearly $10,000 was raised for last year’s Fun Day, including $5,000 from a 17-year-old craniofacial patient, Saydee Robinson, who had been treated at the School of Dentistry.  Robinson had been dealing with her condition since she was 10 and often talked about her condition and craniofacial anomalies to friends, classmates, and her Girl Scout troop. 

In early 2008, Robinson spoke to legislators in the Michigan General Assembly about her experiences and asked them to establish a Craniofacial Awareness Day.  Legislators found her story so compelling that they approved Resolution 147 designating February 2008 as Michigan Craniofacial Month.  Robinson was among those Gov. Jennifer Granholm invited to her office in Lansing to witness the signing of the resolution.  Also present was the sponsor of the resolution, State Senator John Gleason, and Dr. Katherine Kelly from the School of Dentistry.

For her efforts, Robinson received the Patient of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity Award last fall from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  At her request, a Johnson & Johnson company, Ethicon, Inc., donated her $5,000 award to the Stambaugh Fund.

Because Fun Day was so successful last year, Baumgarten and her team will have a second Fun Day on August 26 in Lansing at Cooley Stadium.  The group will watch the Lansing Lug Nuts baseball team, the farm team of the Toronto Blue Jays, play the Bowling Green Hot Rods, the farm team of the Tampa Bay Rays.  “This will be another opportunity for them to laugh and enjoy each other’s company,” Baumgarten said, “In addition to the game, there will be fireworks, food, and perhaps even an opportunity to meet the team mascot, Big Lug.”

Baumgarten said she and others who worked with Stambaugh, including many orthodontics residents and faculty, want Fun Day to be an annual event for patients with craniofacial anomalies.  “For that to happen, we will need help,” she said.  Gifts to the Stambaugh Fund can be made to the School of Dentistry’s Development Office, 540 E. Liberty, Suite 204, Ann Arbor, MI  48104.