Tiffany Kerchner - Summer 2005

My name is Tiffany Kerchner. I'm 16 years old and live in Pennsylvania in a small town called Fleetwood. I attend Fleetwood High School, where I’ll begin 11th grade this fall.

When I was four years old, I was diagnosed with Moebius Syndrome, a rare birth defect caused by the absence of the sixth and seventh facial nerves.

When I was younger, the kids at school picked on me and teased me all the time. I used to get so upset, so I had some plastic surgery done. I had eight surgeries total and don't regret any of them. Now, I can smile, and that's all that matters.

The kids at school have matured, and they don't bother me anymore. Actually, I've made so many friends. Still, there are a few people that will say some rude comments, but I don't let them get to me. My real friends love me for the person I am. I've always been told that if I ever get made fun of, I should just smile at them. And I do. They hate that!

I have many hobbies. My main interest is music — anything relating to music. I started taking singing lessons when I was seven and have loved singing ever since. I also love playing instruments — piano, bells, xylophone, guitar, chimes and the vibes. I love Broadway plays and acting. I've been in a couple of plays, including The Sound of Music.

I love ice hockey, and I have season tickets for my favorite local team. Football, baseball and NASCAR are also some of my other favorite sports.

After I graduate from high school, I plan to go to college and study music. Since I love music, children and teaching, my goal is to become an elementary school music teacher.

In 1999, Diana Sweeney told my mother and me about CCA, and we’ve gone to every retreat since then. I used to think I had it so bad having all these surgeries, but when you get there and look into the eyes of some of the little kids, you know they've been through so much more than you. It makes you not want to feel even the least bit sorry for yourself.

I'm very glad that I have the opportunity to attend the retreats. Through CCA, I’ve made many friends and have so many good memories.

If you would like to share your story with CCA, please send an email to Annie Reeves at areeves@ccakids.com. If your story is chosen, with your permission, we will edit and publish it in the CCA newsletter, on the Web site or use it for public awareness programs. Not all stories will be selected.

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