Our Charity

RECONSTRUCTION | REDIRECTION | REVITALIZATION

 The Royia Grizzell Foundation For Victims of Violence is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide funding towards reconstructive surgery, scar revision therapy, and follow-up wound care for victims of violence and abuse.   

CBS Morning Show Interview with Royia Grizzel and Dr. Chernoff

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/13/earlyshow/living/main687767.shtml

Healing Body and Soul through Science and Compassion 

By: Greg Chernoff, M.D.

I have the privilege of helping women overcome the scars of abuse and violence through cosmetic reconstructive surgery, laser, and scar therapy.  This is an important and personal mission because violent acts against women are exceedingly prevalent. According to the Department of Heath and Human Services, one in three women will experience acts of violence in her lifetime.  Violent acts have lasting psychological and physical effects with daily reminders such as scars or facial disfigurement.

Victims of domestic violence suffer from painful memories of their abuse.  Every glance in a mirror leaves the victim with evidence of the abuse staring her in the face. These daily reminders of violence and abuse can negatively impact women's well-being and feeling of self-worth. To do my part in helping women recover, regain strength and self-esteem, I established the Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence. The Foundation's mission is to provide comprehensive emotional, spiritual, and physical rehabilitation for victims of violence who might not otherwise have the financial means to cover the cost of reconstructive surgery, follow up wound care, and emotional support.  

The Foundation has helped hundreds of women including the foundation's spokesperson Royia Grizzell.  Royia was a victim of the 1995 terrorist attack that exploded a Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma. 

Royia suffered extensive facial and throat damage, with injuries so severe they left her disfigured, discarded, and with no self-esteem. For years following the attack, Royia learned how to hide. When I learned of Royia, I knew I could help uncover her inner strength and beauty using my training as a reconstructive surgeon. 

Scars and facial injuries can be dramatically softened and corrected using multiple surgical and non-surgical methods. Laser Therapy is one particular method I use to stimulate the capillary blood flow of the scarred cells called fibroblasts, which create the body's own collagen. This treatment causes new collagen to be produced under the scar until it more closely resembles surrounding normal skin.

Fibroblast Cell Therapy is a new method I've been using in investigational trials for correcting facial scars and contours in victims of violence.  Fibroblast Cell Therapy is particularly effective because patients use their own cells to promote collagen growth, minimizing adverse reactions to standard injectable fillers. The procedure works by using the patient's cells from rapid cell growth areas, extracting and isolating a component of cells called fibroblasts, then injecting them into affected areas. As new collagen develops, skin texture evens out, and surrounding pigmentation begins resemble normal skin.  Fibroblast Cell Therapy, called La ViV, has recently received FDA approval making it available for my patients who wish to correct facial contours and build collagen naturally.

These therapies combined with facial reconstruction allowed Royia to heal both on the inside and out.  I am thankful that Royia and other victims of violence can continue to benefit from my research and subsequent therapies. The scarring to Royia's face has been dramatically reduced and Royia is gradually letting go of being a victim. Royia has healed and now educates other victims about the options they have for recovery.  

Unfortunately, acts of violence and abuse will continue to produce more victims. These acts have no socioeconomic or cultural boundaries, and Royia is just one of the many victims of violence in the United States. The Foundation for Victims of Violence was founded to provide reconstruction, support and hope for victims like Royia, who will be ready to face the world again.   Healing through science and compassion is a privilege, and giving life back to a victim is a treasure.

Requests and Donations:

All requests for services are given careful consideration by the Foundation's Allocation Committee.

For more information on the criteria and selection process, please submit a letter of request to:

The Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence

9002 North Meridian Street, Suite 205

Indianapolis, IN 46280

The Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence in a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization established in 2002.  All gifts to the foundations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Please submit all donations to:

9002 North Meridian Street, Suite 205

Indianapolis, IN 46260

Or, donate via Paypal by clicking here.

For more information, contact Chernoff and Associates Cosmetic Surgeons at 317-573-8899.