SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) - It is an issue that a lot of people are dealing with. Being under insured and unable to cover their deductible and having a very serious issue that needs medical attention.
The organization Fresh Start, was founded to bridge that gap. Through a partnership with Rady Children's Hospital, Fresh Start transforms the lives of disadvantaged infants, children, and teens with physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse, or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery and other healthcare services.
The overhead is covered entirely by donations to the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts Foundation.
Since Fresh Start’s inception in 1991, over 6,500 children have received no-cost medical care valued at over $26,000,000.
One of the many children that were helped was Dr. Lucio Santos who is now doing his residency for general surgery and when he is finished his plan is to focus on plastic surgery so he can give back to the community in the same way he was given to many years ago.
Fresh Start Chief Development Officer Michelle Pius along with Dr. Lucio Santos joined Morning Extra to talk about this incredible organization and what they are doing in the community of San Diego.
Fresh Start is ran completely off of donations. If you feel led to give you can do so at the top of the Fresh Start website.
-$50 can pay for the laboratory expense for one child
-$75 can pay for the radiology expense for one child
-$100 can pay for food for a family at Surgery Weekend