Read My Story

A need for answers, encouragement and understanding along with feelings of isolation, devastation and depression were just a few of the emotions that plagued me in the first few weeks following the birth of our second daughter Hannah.

I longed for someone to throw me an anchor - give me hope - other than my family. I needed someone who could give me the personal insight for what it was going to be like to be a mom of a child with a facial difference. I needed a person who could share how I might cope with people's questions about Hannah's birthmark. I needed someone who would assist me with strategies to build a positive self-image -- for both myself and my two daughters. I knew that only through a connection with another parent, would I find some of these unique insights.

Upon finding AboutFace which was both a reliable source of accurate information and resources - I felt an immediate calming. This would be a starting point for us - myself and my family towards acceptance. I had found a place where I could go and discuss my feelings with people who had walked in my shoes and understood…without me having to explain why. It was for this reason that I decided to become a Volunteer Community Representative for AboutFace.

As a Community Rep, I am constantly seeking opportunities to provide understanding and resources for parents like me. I want to bring hope to others. The connections provide us with the occasion to further our acceptance of all individuals with differences, explore our similarities and celebrate our uniqueness.

I invite you to contact me at leanne.aboutface@yahoo.ca for information on AboutFace activities in the Calgary area.