Opening Ceremonies 2024

Robert Chelsea

Nominated by Bohdan Pomahac, MD

Driving home from church, Robert Chelsea pulled his disabled car over to the shoulder. As he waited for help, a drunk driver slammed into his car, causing it to explode and burn more than 60 percent of Robert's body, including his face. This tragedy, in Robert's words, "turned into a triumph" because he doesn't view his burn experience as a mishap but rather as a wake-up call to allow him to better serve God in ways he did not previously imagine. Robert believed God revealed an "unexplainable joy" in him while in a coma for six months and during his more than four years of recovery. Robert's faith has continued to grow exponentially as he became the first African American to receive a full face transplant, and his life mission is now laser-focused on bringing awareness regarding the needs of the disabled diaspora, whether it's burn survivors, amputees or transplant recipients, along with their need for mental health support.

Through critical donations to the Robert Chelsea Foundation, he now travels everywhere possible to encourage other African Americans, students and the public at large to consider organ donation and to advocate for racial parity within the medical system.

Cailynn Madigan

Nominated by Andrea Moreira, MD

Cailynn Madigan was prompted to get genetic testing for breast cancer because of her family history, but it was not linked to the women in her clan. Instead, her grandfather's battle with the disease encouraged her and her family members to be proactive about their risks. As a result, she and her mother sought strength and support from each other as they shared a double mastectomy journey together. She is now an advocate for awareness and empowerment for those facing hereditary conditions, helping them take charge of their health with testing and lifestyle changes to reduce their cancer risks.

Danielle "Dani" Maytrychit

Nominated by Srinivas Susarla, MD, DMD, MPH

As a toddler, Danielle Maytrychit developed significant facial asymmetry and breathing issues because of a large tumor at the base of her skull. She had several reconstructive surgeries throughout her childhood and teen years, during which her positive attitude never wavered despite the difficulties. Facing facial differences in her early life taught her to reach out to others dealing with challenges by always giving them a smile and listening to their stories through her volunteering.