Christian J. Hadjipateras 

It takes courage to embrace differences

A Journey of Resilience, Reconstruction, and Advocacy

It Takes Courage for individuals to overcome obstacles, and Christian J. Hadjipateras exemplifies this courage in embracing differences. Born in London in 1984, Christian faced severe craniofacial anomalies, including craniosynostosis, a bilateral cleft lip and palate, profound hearing loss, and numerous challenges. His early years were marked by multiple reconstructive surgeries across the UK, US, France, and Italy, supported by a resilient family. 

The true impact of living with facial differences became apparent as Christian entered high school at the age of 13. Despite the love of his family, the journey of self-acceptance proved to be a long and challenging one, extending beyond the realm of surgeries. His final major surgery in Los Angeles at 21 marked not an end, but a beginning, sparking a journey toward contentment within himself. 

The catalyst for this journey cannot be pinpointed, but it wasn’t until Christian’s mid to late 20s that he found a sense of self-acceptance. Determined to utilize his story to assist others, he engaged with various organizations while living in the US. Proudly, he is now affiliated with several organizations in the US and UK, officially and unofficially, and recently assumed the role of an ambassador for Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft charity. 

These organizations provide invaluable emotional and financial support to families, reflecting societal progress in acknowledging and addressing these challenges. However, much work remains in the collective pursuit of a world defined by acceptance and equality. 

Christian’s advocacy primarily focuses on underscoring the psychological challenges associated with facial differences, emphasizing the importance of openness about one’s feelings during the journey through surgeries. It is crucial to navigate these experiences while endeavoring to lead as normal a life as possible. 

In every instance, It Takes Courage for individuals to embrace their differences, and Christian’s journey stands as a testament to the strength found in resilience, reconstruction, and unwavering advocacy. Through his writing and speaking engagements, he strives to inspire others to embrace their unique stories, fostering a world where courage prevails over adversity.