Craniofacial patients spread cheer, school spirit

Special moments are best shared with friends and family by your side, and a group of Adams School of Dentistry staff, faculty and students put their heads together and helped do just that for a group of craniofacial patients on Craniofacial Cheer Day.

Craniofacial Cheer Day brought patients together for a day of fun and spirit.

Piggybacking on UNC’s Carolina Cheer Day, a day devoted to youth cheerleading, the craniofacial group was able to enjoy a day spent with UNC Spirit Program Team Coach Brown Walters, something coordinated through student involvement with the Magical Moments Foundation. Catherine Bingham, DDS ‘26, has been involved with the program,  a wish granting organization for children with facial differences, since her first year of dental school. Bingham was able to connect ASOD’s craniofacial patients with the coach and create a unique experience for patients and their families.

“Coach Brown ensured our patients were able to learn the official Carolina Cheer, attend a practice with the band, a meet and greet with the Cheer team and Rameses. Patients gathered at the

Belltower to participate in the victory walk and welcome our football team to the stadium. At halftime, our patients performed the routine on-field!” said Jessica Hill, clinic manager for craniofacial and specialty care.

Hill and the craniofacial team have worked to create opportunities like this for craniofacial patients and their families to get together. The outings help foster a sense of community and build relationships with other families and patients who are going through similar experiences.

Rameses was on hand to help celebrate Carolina Cheer Day.

“It was so rewarding to watch their confidence grow in the routine prior to performing. The best part of the day was watching the patients get to know each other and watching the encouragement and high fives spread like wildfire. Everyone left with new friends and core memories; mission accomplished!” Hill said.