KiDS of NYU Langone raises nearly $1 million at 2013 Springfling gala

NYU Langone Medical Center announced today that KiDS of NYU Langone raised nearly $1 million at its annual gala—the 2013 Springfling—held Wednesday evening at The Plaza. This year's event honored Joseph G. McCarthy, MD, the Helen L. Kimmel Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, whose illustrious career at NYU Langone has spanned nearly four decades.

As founding chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery and director of the Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Dr. McCarthy has promoted the cause and treatment of patients with facial deformities and revolutionized the care of children with craniofacial anomalies around the world. During the event, two people took the podium to share their stories about how Dr. McCarthy and his team changed their lives.

Jamie Verdi, 42 years old and a lifelong patient of Dr. McCarthy, was born with hypertelorism and nasal dysplasia, which means that the eyes are wide apart and the nose has not formed properly with cartilage and bone structure. She has had many surgeries throughout her life and said, "With each and every surgery, Dr. McCarthy did more for me than just improve my outward appearance. He helped me find the strength to be more than just a bystander. Because of him I found a voice."

Russel Newman, father of nine year old Nathaniel Newman, then shared the story of how his son, who was born with Treacher-Collins Syndrome, is now a mainstreamed, high-functioning third grader and leading a vibrant and happy life because of the care Dr. McCarthy provided.

Alice Tisch, chair of KiDS, expressed the organization's appreciation to the friends and supporters who packed The Plaza's Grand Ballroom for the gala. "I want to thank everyone who is here tonight for supporting children with daunting medical needs. For the last 22 years, KiDS of NYU Langone has helped to create better lives for children and in being here tonight you are part of an important effort to help NYU Langone care for its most vulnerable patients and their families. I want to thank everyone for attending the 2013 KiDS of NYU Springfling gala and for your ongoing support," said Mrs. Tisch.

While addressing the guests, Catherine S. Manno, MD, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Medical Center said, "We are extremely proud to honor Dr. Joseph McCarthy tonight, a giant in the field of plastic surgery. His groundbreaking clinical advances and lifelong dedication to children has inspired many. I thank everyone who is here tonight as well, for supporting KiDS of NYU Langone, our medical center and the medical and surgical care that we provide to children."