Emma is a patient of Dr. Rachel Ruotolo. We are sharing her mom Lorie’s letter in support of the Tesoriere family’s efforts to raise both funding and awareness for cleft lip and palate through Emma’s Smile.
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Lorie Tesoriere, my family and I currently live in East Meadow. In January 2014, my husband and I attended a press conference in Mineola with our youngest daughter. The conference was held by Ed Mangano to help raise awareness of Cleft lip and palate in Nassau County. After attending this conference, we realized we wanted to do the same in our local community.
I’m sure you’re asking yourself why this topic is so important to us. Well here it is! On December 16th, 2013 we gave birth to our beautiful daughter Emma Grace Tesoriere. She was born with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. We were told of this at my 20 week sonogram. At that moment, I didn’t know what to do or what to think. When we spoke of this to our family and friends, all they could say was “I’ve never really heard much about this” and “Do doctors around here do these type of surgeries?”. It was with the help of my doctor that I was given information and a number for an amazing Surgeon. We decided to use this doctor, Dr. Rachael Ruotolo, she has been there for us every step of the way and has most importantly lead us to many amazing organizations that have helped us more then we could ever imagine. Over the past two years, Emma has undergone two surgeries to repair her lip and palate. It has been a difficult road but one that has lead us to amazing people and friends. Emma has recovered nicely from each surgery and always has a bright smile on her face.
This is why I am writing this letter…To let you know that my husband and I have decided to hold an annual fundraiser to help raise money and awareness for cleft lip and palate. All money raised will be donated to The Pediatric Dental Clinic at Long Island Jewish and The Hagedorn Cleft Lip and Craniofacial Center. I have enclosed a flyer for the event and would love if you could join us and/or show your support for this important cause. Thank you in advance for your time and help.
Lorie Kalberer Tesoriere
kalbererl@yahoo.com