Erika Sison was a one-in-10 million baby because her facial birth defects are so rare. But for those who have been blessed to be in her presence, to watch her dance and spin and delight in everything new, Erika is one-in-10 million because her optimism, joy and passion for life are equally unique.

Staff with Medical Missions Foundation met Erika in 2002 during a mission to the Philippines. Running low on hope and even lower on resources, her mother, Merlita, brought her to see the “American” doctors who were visiting her village.

“Her teeth … you could see them,” Luz Racela, M.D., recalled of the first time MMF team members met Erika. “She had no lower jaw, and two big gill-like slits. She couldn’t be fed, because it all came out.” Her voice dropped as she added, almost apologetically, “It was hard to even look at her.”

Foundation doctors and volunteers rallied to Erika’s cause. They teamed with the Kansas City World Outreach Lions Club and First Hand Foundation to bring Erika to Kansas City from her home in Pangasinan, on the island of Luzon. After months of grueling surgeries donated by John Hiebert, M.D., and his team at St. Luke’s Hospital, Erika danced into a going-away party held in her honor at the Filipino Cultural Center in Overland Park. Erika joyfully displayed the gift made possible by the generosity of so many: her wonderful smile.

During the 2007 mission to the Philippines, Dr. Tony Racela caught up with Erika and her mother. He is pleased to report that today Erika is very happy, well adjusted and a leader in her class at school. However, her journey is not yet complete. When Erika turns twelve, she will undergo yet more reconstructive surgery.

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