Help Me Bring Regenerative Medicine for Facial Reconstruction to the FDA
Hi, my name is Katie, and I’m the founder of the Hopewell Foundation for Regenerative Medicine — a patient-driven nonprofit working to accelerate breakthroughs in tissue engineering for facial reconstruction.
On May 28th, I will be meeting with the FDA’s Center for Biologics — a critical moment not just for me, but for so many patients who are living with the physical and emotional impact of facial trauma.
This meeting is an opportunity to advocate for the advancement of regenerative medicine solutions, specifically the development of patient-specific bone and cartilage for nasal reconstruction. Today, patients who lose part or all of their nose due to cancer, accidents, or dog attacks often undergo multiple invasive surgeries using rib grafts, forehead flaps, or ear cartilage. These procedures are complex, painful, and often still fall short—both functionally and emotionally.
Meanwhile, regenerative medicine has already shown promising results in other areas of the body. The question we are asking is: why are patients needing nasal reconstruction being left behind?
I am going to the FDA to:
Bring real patient experiences directly to decision-makers
Highlight the urgent unmet need in facial reconstruction
Advocate for clearer and more efficient pathways for regenerative technologies
Push for progress that could ultimately give patients safer, more effective options
This is more than a meeting—it’s a step toward changing what’s possible.
I am currently based in Europe, and the funds raised will go directly toward:
Flights to attend the FDA meeting
Lodging during my time in the U.S.
Basic travel expenses required to make this meeting possible
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make this moment possible.
If you believe in a future where patients have better options—where we can restore not just function, but identity and dignity—I would be incredibly grateful for your support.
Thank you for being part of this.
Warmly,
Katie