Where Stories Are Heard, And Conversation Matters
In a world where appearances are often judged before voices are heard, the myFace Fireside Chats provide something rare — an intimate space to hear unfiltered human stories of resilience, difference, and belonging.
Held at Centurion New York at One Vanderbilt Ave, Fl 55 in New York City, these gatherings bring together extraordinary individuals who have overcome trauma, visible differences, and adversity — not to be defined by them, but to show us the strength, courage, and wisdom that emerge from those journeys.
The power of the Fireside Chats is simple yet profound: when voices like these are heard in person, they challenge stereotypes, open hearts, and spark change. Now, through our YouTube series, these stories reach far beyond the room where they began.
Attend One of Our Upcoming Fireside Chats
Stay tuned for upcoming Fireside Chats to be announced for 2027!
Watch Previous Fireside Chats
Jameson Gerrity & Dan Elston
Second chances, family, and the drive to give back
In myFace’s first panel-style Fireside Chat, champion wrestler Jameson Gerrity and former professional tennis player and Brotherhood co-founder Dan Elston traded stories about second chances, the family and friends who stayed by their side, and why showing up for your community is the most meaningful way to live.
Caitlin Sarubbi
From lifelong patient to Paralympian to physician
Caitlin Sarubbi, a 2010 U.S. Paralympic alpine skier, Harvard graduate, and NextGen Face ambassador, shared how her lived experience as a patient is shaping the oncologist she’s becoming, and why, when someone says something can’t be done, she simply finds a different way to get there.
Dr. Felicia Rosario
Reclaiming identity and resilience after trauma
Dr. Felicia Rosario, a trauma survivor and advocate featured in Hulu’s Stolen Youth, shared her journey of reclaiming identity and resilience. Her conversation offered powerful tools for navigating judgment and empowering the facial difference community — a story of healing, self-advocacy, and the courage to redefine your own narrative.
Ali & Jim Stroker — A Return Visit
A powerful conversation rooted in truth, courage, and choice
Tony Award–winning actress and disability advocate Ali Stroker and her father, Coach Jim Stroker, shared how musical theatre became Ali’s outlet and “superpower” after sustaining a spinal cord injury at age two. Jim offered a parent’s perspective through his guiding framework — E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) — reminding us that while we can’t always control life’s challenges, we can find growth and freedom in how we respond.
Joe & Jessica DiMeo
An extraordinary journey of survival, recovery, and love
In 2018, Joe was involved in a car accident that burned 80% of his body. His determination carried him through a historic face and double hand transplant. Jessica shared how their connection grew from admiration into a love story that culminated in a wedding in Hawaii. Together, they showed our community that hope, love, and new beginnings are always possible.
Amedy Dewey
An unforgettable afternoon of connection, truth, and resilience
At 18, Amedy survived a domestic violence incident that claimed her mother’s life and left her with an acquired facial difference and significant vision loss. Now studying psychology with hopes of becoming a trauma therapist, Amedy shared why language matters — choosing “incident” over “accident” to honor accountability and healing. With the support of her father, her grandmother, and the myFace community, she found strength and belonging.
Ali & Jim Stroker
A deeper dive into resilience, community, and the power of your “home team”
myFace was honored to welcome back Ali and Jim Stroker for their second Fireside Chat. Ali reflected on how she chose to “host the party” — taking leadership in creating solutions when institutions were unprepared for her presence. From Broadway to advocacy, Ali and Jim’s dialogue underscored the importance of building a personal “home team” of people who provide different forms of support. Ali closed the afternoon with a joyful a cappella performance.
Paige & Celina
A vibrant conversation about representation, resilience, and creating what you never got to see
Paige Lauren Billiot, birthmark advocate, producer, and model, joined artist and educator Celina for a candid conversation about growing up with port wine stain birthmarks and the long road to self-acceptance. Paige shared how years of rejection in Hollywood led her to build her own platform — amassing over 100,000 followers by simply existing joyfully and visibly. Celina spoke about channeling her experience into her Defining Beauty painting series, creating community through art. Together, they explored what it means to seek representation in industries that weren’t built for you, the power of finding others who look like you, and why education — not pity — is what the craniofacial community needs most.
Patrick Hardison
A story of resilience, identity, and the power of community
“Find that happy place.” Those are the words of Patrick Hardison, a former firefighter who suffered devastating facial burns while attempting to rescue a stranger in a fire back in 2001. Rather than give up on life, this father now of 5 and grandfather of 3, took the 50/50 odds of surviving the most extensive face transplant ever performed in 2015 by Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez and his team at NYU Langone Health. Now, nearly a decade later, he’s sharing his journey in ways that inspire and challenge us to rethink resilience, identity, and the power of community.
“As a parent — especially of a child with medical complexities or disabilities — you can often feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s easy to feel alone. Then you meet people like those at the Fireside Chats, and you realize that your mindset truly matters.”
— Leah, myFace community member
About the Fireside Chat Series
The myFace Fireside Chat and Lunch series is held at the Harvard Club in New York City (35 West 44th Street). Each event features an intimate conversation with a guest speaker whose personal story connects to the themes that matter most to our community — resilience, identity, advocacy, and belonging.
The events are complimentary, with 50 tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests enjoy lunch and the opportunity to connect with fellow community members in a warm, supportive setting.
All Fireside Chats are recorded and published on our YouTube channel so the stories can continue to inspire beyond the room.
Attend the Next Fireside Chat
Our Fireside Chats are complimentary and open to the entire myFace community. Space is limited — RSVP early to secure your seat.
Location: Harvard Club, 35 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036
Stay tuned for our next speaker announcement. Contact us at info@myface.org to be added to the invite list.
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