Daughter's request grabs local doctor's attention

A Mother's Day gift

When Rebecca Motondo heard her mother cry on the other end of the phone, her heart broke. Diana Holbrook recently had cataract surgery, eliminating her need to wear glasses. While most people are thrilled to kiss their eyewear goodbye, Holbrook used hers as a shield.

“I asked her why she was crying,” Motondo said. “And she said it was because she always hid behind her glasses; that people think she's ugly.”

Her mother's revelation affected Motondo enough to do something about it, and unbeknownst to her mom, she wrote a letter to Dr. Douglas Halliday, a facial plastic surgeon based in East Syracuse. She described her mother's situation, her selfless nature, and made a very special Mother's Day request.

“My wish for her would be to have a nose job and a face lift,” the letter read. “I love my mother so much and it breaks my heart to see her hurting. She is the best mother and I would love her to feel good about the way she looks.”

Shortly after Motondo mailed the letter, she went on vacation and returned to find several messages from Halliday's office, on her answering machine. The doctor wanted to meet with them.

“I felt compelled to do something for this person, who sounded very deserving, and because of her situation, could not afford to do something for herself,” Halliday said. “I also felt this was a very good person and the procedures we were going to do on her would affect her life in a very positive way.”

When Motondo told her mom what she did, Holbrook was hesitant, but eventually came around to the idea.
“When she told me about it, I wanted to do it really bad; I didn't want to miss the opportunity,” Holbrook said. “I almost said forget it, but I didn't want to go through life saying 'I should of.'”

Holbrook also credited her decision to the love and support of her husband Richard.

“He's very excited for her because he really knows how much she has sacrificed for this family,” Motondo said. “There's not a lot she does for herself.”

As well, Motondo, having undergone plastic surgery herself, remained encouraging.

“I tried to be very supportive, and to let her know what this would do for her self-esteem.”

On May 7, Holbrook underwent a lower face lift, eye lift, rhinoplasty and septoplasty. The healing process would take seven to 10 days.

“I never met a doctor that has had more of an interest in people the way [Halliday] does,” Motondo said. “I think he is extremely sensitive, and to give somebody a chance, knowing they're asking for a favor, and there's nothing in it for him ... is just amazing.”

Halliday is known to do pro bono surgeries, helping children with cleft palettes, and working with people who have been maimed by acts of violence.

“Do not be afraid to ask your doctors for favors, whether it is samples, a financial break or some help in anyway,” Halliday said. “Most doctors are very giving and willing to do things to help people out, especially during difficult times.”

Article written by Tami S. Zimmerman for cnylink.com.

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