Bullying is prevalent among all age groups, however, the high school years can often be the toughest years to endure. People can be cruel and have no regard for the way they treat others.
People Magazine wrote an interesting article that discussed a teen girl, named Renata, who was bullied throughout high school. Due to the bullying and the effects that the name calling and whispering had on her, she started home schooling and counseling. Even though Renata was out of the environment, she still suffered tremendously.
Renata’s life was changed by The Little Baby Face Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Dr. Thomas Romo III more than 10 years ago. This foundation provides plastic surgeries free of charge to children up to 21 years of age who have birth deformities and whose parents cannot afford surgery.
According to People, “When Renata’s mother applied to the foundation, the case was evaluated by the medical board who diagnosed her with mild to moderate hemi-facial microsomia – her nose, cheekbone and chin bone were smaller on one side. Dr. Romo, who also serves as Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore/LIJ, Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, and the entire medical board also read the letter that Renata’s mother had shared about kids tormenting her daughter.”
Because of the services provided by The Little Baby Face Foundation, Renata was alleviated from future torment based on her looks.
We cannot control the way other people treat those around them, however, we can control the way we act, and we can stand up for what is right. If you or someone you know is a victim of bullying, speak up and speak out.
