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photography by Jon recana For AndreA biel-Cohen And lAurie bAy, Face the Future Foundation is a true labor of love. Both former Foundation presidents, the two close friends and Gold Coast neighbors are still on a mission to pro- mote the UIC College of Medicine Craniofacial Center's efforts to help Chicago-area children with cleft palates and craniofacial abnormalities. As the Foundation prepares to host its annual gala on March 14, the pair recently sat down with Michigan Avenue to share their views on the Center's important work. What specifically does The Craniofacial Center do? Andrea biel-Cohen: Aside from treating children born with craniofacial abnormalities, we take care of children who have cancer of the face and head, or burns and trauma to the face and head. The Center has all the specialists under one roof, so that when a child comes in, he or she is evaluated by whatever specialist is needed—surgical specialists, craniofacial special- ists, plastic surgeons, pediatricians, psychologists. Everybody a kid needs to see is there, and the child is completely taken care of. how did each of you get involved? AbC: My husband, Mimis, is director of the Center, and I didn't know much about the cause until I married him. I was amazed at the work of the Center when I saw the children, and it seemed like a miracle that they could be made whole. When you volunteer for some- thing like this, and you know the outcome is going to be so positive, it's amazing. About 70 percent of the chil- dren are on public aid, but everybody gets the same quality of care. laurie bay: Andrea is my neighbor, and we've known each other for years. Her husband does this fabulous work, and Andrea said, "Laurie, we need some help." How could I say no? When you hear about a child who's not invited to a party, ever, that must hurt horribly. These children are precious. They want to be loved and accepted. They want exactly what everybody in this room wants. I think the Center does a wonderful job of making each child feel special. Are there any particular Foundation success stories that you've witnessed? AbC: We have so many. One young lady in particular, "the Center does a wonderful job of making eaCh Child feel speCial." —laurie bay continued on pAge 76 Br ave Faces With Face the Future Foundation's annual gala beneFiting the uic college oF medicine cranioFacial center, passionate supporters AndreA Biel-Cohen and lAurie BAy are helping give local children something to smile about. by j.p. anderson Families and staff outside the UIC Craniofacial Center. Laurie Bay ( left) and Andrea Biel-Cohen. left: Dr. David Reisberg with Madelin Corona Vasquez and daughter Valentina Oviedo. 74 michiganavemag.com PEOPLE Spirit of Generosity