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From Larry H. Lickstein, M.D.:
When I finished my fellowship training in Plastic Surgery, Lori and I relocated to Naples. I had accepted a position to found the Department of Plastic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida’s newest hospital. We married in 2001, and in the next few years were blessed with two sons. By 2005, I had a thriving practice, had been recognized as a "Top Doc" by local publications, and had ascended in the academic ranks at the Clinic.
Unfortunately, we had also discovered that Lori had a life-threatening allergy to fire ants. With each hurricane season, these insects would become a greater threat as they sought "higher ground," and Lori endured several frightening trips to the hospital in the early stages of anaphylaxis. Life became progressively more difficult, as even a simple trip to the playground could prove to be a dangerous, anxiety-provoking experience. It became apparent that we had to move.
In March, 2006 we relocated to Baltimore and I joined The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland, a practice with a strong emphasis on breast surgery and a long history of philanthropy. In our short time in Maryland, our family has grown with the addition of a third son. Our children have new friends and are thriving in school. My wife, always supportive and loving, has become active in our community and has never been happier, and my clinical practice is healthy and growing.
I think Lori has always recognized how difficult it was for me to leave an established career and my home to relocate to Maryland. A few months ago, knowing my love of art, and in recognition of my passion for plastic surgery, she decided to commission a sculpture to say, "thank you" for my sacrifice. Lori chose a breast cancer patient as the inspiration for the art piece -- "in dignity and grace," and remarkably, she immediately recognized how I would embrace the idea to develop a fundraiser.
As a plastic surgeon, cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery remains a cornerstone of my practice, and I have always been moved by the depth and strength of the relationships that I develop with cancer patients. I meet women devastated, confused, and scared by their new diagnosis, and I can offer hope -- for a restored figure, for femininity and sexuality, for confidence, and for normalcy. There is a unique intimacy that develops between patient and physician during treatment.
So, the origin of this event? Two people who are in love, and two people who have made sacrifices for each other; a plastic surgeon who embraces the ability to provide hope; a wife and mother grateful for a new beginning and dedicated to giving something back to the community; and two individuals committed and determined to help a very deserving patient population.
"If I am only for myself then what am I, If I am not for myself then who will be for me, If not now, when?"
- Rabbi Hillel
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