“Scarring can change a person’s life. But it does not have to ruin it.” Scar Free Ambassador
“When I come to a meeting, I want to give something, learn something and take something away that may help me to help others.” Scar Free Ambassador
The Scar Free Foundation Ambassadors' Event 2021
Behind every scar, there's a story. People living with scarring are at the heart of all that we do. We recently hosted our annual Ambassadors' Event to celebrate our successes, share our news and involve people living with scarring in our plans for 2022 and beyond.
After months of lockdowns, 30 of our Scar Free Ambassadors came together at our new offices in The Royal College of Surgeons of England. It was a welcomed opportunity to reconnect in-person, meet old friends and make new ones.
Rachel McDermott, Scar Free Ambassador, introduced the workshop. Rachel, whose daughter Emily was born with a cleft lip, generously contributes her time as a Lived Experience Representative on the Foundation’s Research Council. Rachel emphasised that the voice of people living with scarring lies at the heart of the Foundation’s work, and how the event’s discussions will pave the way for the Foundation to fund the right research into scarring.
The Ambassadors participated in roundtable discussions about the daily impact of their scarring and the problems that scientists and clinicians need to urgently address in order to drive better treatments and care. The feedback and experience of our Ambassadors will shape the development of The Scar Free Foundation’s refreshed Research Strategy, which will be published in early 2022.
“I avoid certain situations because I do not feel okay with them – like eating in restaurants.” Scar Free Ambassador
“Unexpected things matter: I loved writing with my fountain pen and my handwriting was beautiful. But I can’t do that anymore and I miss it.” Scar Free Ambassador
“When I’m tired I can’t eat properly. People forget the functional impact of scarring.” Scar Free Ambassador