Bring Janine to Detroit

Janine Howard Light is from Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland but she has links to Metro Detroit.

Shortly before her 4th birthday she was diagnosed with leukemia and started on chemotherapy. Her Mom noticed a small red dot on her cheek which quickly progressed to necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh eating bacteria. 



Baby Janine was moved to the ICU, struggling to survive. Because of the effects of chemotherapy she was unable to have surgery right away. With her Mom standing by, the nurses peel the bandages from her tiny face revealing rotten tissue and extraordinary disfigurement. 



Before Janine, there was David. 

A Peruvian boy left without a face by flesh eating bacteria who was rehabilitated, reconstructed and eventually adopted by Dr. Ian Jackson, a pioneer in plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. His story led Janine’s family to seek out Dr. Jackson, who performed multiple surgeries over her, first in the United States and then a few times a year in London until she was a teenager. 



And then comes marriage... 

Janine grew up. She had babies of her own. She fell in love and married. 



Problems without an answer… 

Despite the “normal” that she has had, she is teased to the point she wears headphones whenever she goes out in public. She cannot close her eye completely. Her smile is limited as is her speech and her ability to eat and drink. She has seen specialists in the UK and has been told time and time again there is nothing that can be done. 


The power of social media…

Dr. Jackson passed away earlier this summer after a battle with Alzheimer's. He left behind a legacy of surgical technique, charity and education. The Ian Jackson Craniofacial Clinic is currently run by a gifted young surgeon, Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyasate. 



Dr. Chaiyasate has made a name for himself in the plastic surgery world, changing lives by his work with breast cancer patients, Russian orphans and African children brought to the United States by missionary groups. Many of these cases are time donated by himself. 

Through Facebook, Janine reached out to Dr. Kongkrit Chaiyasate, the man who “never says no” to a surgical challenge.  The man with a plan. A doctor with vision, skill and a charitable heart.   

Dr. Chaiyasate reviewed Janine’s photos and the wheels started turning. He has a plan. He has the ability to pick up the project from his late mentor and craft it as his own. He is capable of so much, but limited by funding. He is able to donate his time but Janine will need transportation, lodging and some of her hospital expenses covered. 

Funds donated to this cause will go directly to bringing Janine back to the United States, the place that took her in and kept her safe when she was five years old. Any donation to Operation CURE Foundation not utilized will go on to the next patient desperately in need of help.  



Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity to help this young woman. If you are unable to donate at this time, a kind thought, a prayer and a “Share” on your page can go a long way!