Opening Ceremonies 2025
Join us at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, in the New Orleans Theater A, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to celebrate innovations in plastic surgery and a historic year.
This special event will also showcase the Presidential Address, Special Achievement Awards, our Global Partners, and much more! We'll recognize accomplishments, share in the specialty's successes, and announce the ASPS Patients of Courage.
Our Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity program recognize truly inspiring patients whose lives have been changed or saved through reconstructive surgery and who have transformed their experiences into unique programs that give back to their communities. Each Patient of Courage personifies the limitless potential of reconstructive surgery as well as the power of the human spirit.
The Patients of Courage program is being supported by:
Below is a recap of the 2025 Patient of Courage honorees.
Anna Crollman
Nominated by Ron Israeli, MD
Anna Crollman sacrificed her breasts to cancer, but she refused to let it take her sense of style. Instead, she turned her passion for beauty and fashion into MyCancerChic, a blog and social media community, chronicling her decade-long breast cancer journey from research through reconstruction. This vital resource empowers young women to navigate cancer with confidence.
Michael L. Goodman
Nominated by Jason Cacioppo, MD
Dr. Michael Goodman was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, enduring countless surgeries and bullying because of his facial difference. After finally accepting himself, he shared his story in a social media post, which went viral reaching thousands of people. Today, he speaks in classrooms around the world, encouraging compassion and inclusion through his lived experiences.
Krystina Pacheco
Nominated by Chandra Ellis, MD
After giving birth in October 2022, Krystina Pacheco faced a life-threatening infection that led to the amputation of all four of her limbs. Despite this unimaginable loss, she remained steadfast in her goals of being a devoted mother and dancing with her husband. Embracing physical therapy, mental health support and prosthetics, Krystina's journey exemplifies how profound adversity can be transformed into a new beginning.
Welcome Reception
Scalpels down, party beads up! Kick off the festivities at our welcome reception at 7:30 p.m. at Mardi Gras World, where plastic surgeons swap scrubs for celebration.
Enjoy an evening of lively music, a "taste of New Orleans" and colorful surprises in true New Orleans fashion. It's the perfect chance to reconnect, unwind, and let the good times roll – generously sponsored by Telabio.
All PSTM attendees and registered guests are invited! This will be a great evening for attendees, colleagues and friends.
The Opening Ceremonies and Welcome Reception are being supported by:
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