Donna Mulgrew understands what it’s like to raise a child with a facial deformity.
Donna and her husband travelled to Nanning, Guangxi, China in December 2002 to adopt Connor who was 2 1/2 at the time and in foster care.
Connor’s birth mother took good care of him but decided to leave him at a clinic in Hong Kong where Connor was placed in the loving care of his foster parents. Connor was born with a bilateral cleft lip and a cleft palate.
Once back in Philadelphia, the Mulgrew family sought medical advice from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where now retired plastic surgeon, Dr. Don LaRosa surgically repaired Connor’s lip and palate.
Connor adjusted very well to his new family and quickly learned English. “We always tell Connor that he is loved the world over because he has parents in China and the USA,” said Donna.
Recently, Donna, a personal health nurse advocate for Health Advocate in Plymouth Meeting, PA, won the jelly bean counting contest hosted by her company to raise awareness and funds for Operation Smile.
Health Advocate presented a $600 check to Operation Smile — enough for nearly three life-changing surgeries for children in need!
Donna is proud to share her jelly beans with Connor and the entire Health Advocate staff knowing they are helping make a difference in children’s lives.
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