It has been over 30 years since a unique set of circumstances set my “life miracle” into motion. I was staying with my sister, Janice, and her family in Dallas while doing some work. One day I was introduced to the neighbor’s daughter, who happened to be Dr. Salyer’s former nurse. Two weeks later, back in Wisconsin, I watched a “60 Minutes” story highlighting a team of surgeons who traveled to third world countries doing pro-bono work on children with severe facial deformities. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a special team of doctors that could help me. You see, even after 19 surgeries, my birth defect, called Hypertelorism, had not been fully corrected. My eyes were still severely offset and I did not have a fully functioning nose. That very night, my sister called asking if I would like her to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salyer. The stars had finally aligned, and I answered with a
resounding, “YES!”
​
At that first appointment with Dr. Salyer, the plans were put into motion: surgeries were scheduled, money would be raised through the WCF, and Dr. Salyer and his team would be donating their time and amazing talents. All for me! Back home, the Sauk Prairie community had gone into action raising enough funds to cover my hospital expenses. There were so many people working together to reach out and make a difference in my life!
​
20 years later I decided to reconnect with Dr. Salyer and my call was routed through the WCF since he no longer held regular office hours. This chance connection led to my personal story being shared on the cover of the WCF Winter 2011 Newsletter. I have felt compelled to help raise money for the WCF and assist others through various local fundraisers throughout the years. I came up with the idea to try and make a bigger impact by combining a nationally known entertainer, the WCF, and many willing volunteers. The response has been overwhelming and the outpouring of generosity from our sponsors has been fantastic!
​
Enjoy the show – knowing that each of you have helped make this event possible and together we are changing lives!
- Jack Accola
​
A Note From Our Event Organizer
Jimmy Fortune toured, sang and performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years. He joined them first as a temporary replacement for Lew DeWitt, after DeWitt heard him singing at a ski resort and recommended him. Following an audition in Nashville, Jimmy was contacted . . . .
Lacie Carpenter was born and raised in the great state of Texas! And when you’re in Texas - you gotta have a fiddle in the band! She grew up singing and playing all types of music and instruments, but the violin and fiddle won out. Being classically trained helped her to hone in on her . . .
The World Craniofacial Foundation provides help, hope, and healing for children with craniofacial abnormalities and their families. At the World Craniofacial Foundation, we believe every child is a precious soul. Some bodies may look different than others, but their sweet souls . . .
​
​
​
