Maritza was born with severe Microtia.  When old enough to attend school, she was teased and physically struck by peers.  Her glasses would often fall off because she lacked an ear for support.  Teachers had limited expectations for a girl with this deformity.

One day, her father, a cab driver, heard from a passenger about the HUGS program.  Hopeful for his daughter, he scheduled a meeting with the HUGS team.  Surgery was successful.  Maritza’s life has been transformed from pariah to normal school girl.  She can wear her glasses and is no longer taunted and teased by peers.  Maritza, now 12, hopes to become a police woman.