Meet Carrie Lababidi | Mending Faces Board Member, BA, RRT

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carrie Lababidi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie, how does your business help the community?
As founding members of Mending Faces my husband and I have been blessed to help children in developing countries around the world by fixing their cleft lips and palates. Many of these children are shunned in society, ridiculed at school if they even attend, and many are malnourished because of their cleft. We strive to change this with free surgical correction. We are a very different organization in that we only have one employee, and all volunteers pay their own way to do these medical missions, so almost every dollar our fantastic donors give to Mending Faces goes to help these children.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist and absolutely love taking care of my patients. I am proud to be able to not only take care of patients as a Respiratory Therapist here in Colorado, but be able to play a very different role as part of Mending Faces around the world.

It took an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, and an adult critical care specialist certification to get to where I am today professionally.

I cannot say that it was particularly easy, I definitely studied hard especially for the adult critical care specialist certification.
My husband for sure was a massive help with my studies.

I have learned that no matter how hard you study and how much you learn there are always things in medicine that will humble you. It is a constant opportunity to learn more.

I would like the world to know that there is so much fulfillment in giving. I always tell people that it is rather addicting helping these children and their families. To see the look on their parents faces and to hear how we have changed their lives just by using our training is an indescribable opportunity. We are getting ready for our 14th trip to the Philippines mid-February, and I cannot be more excited.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
-Without hesitation I would take them to at least one meal at our favorite restaurant in Gunbarrel, Cafe Blue. The owners Kevin and Leslee have pulled off what I think many restaurants lack, the most amazing food, no matter what you order, fantastic staff who have become our friends and always know exactly what you want, and an atmosphere that is cozy and inviting. It has truly become our version of Cheers! If you have not been, you must go!

-I would take them up to our cabin in Red Feather Lakes and do all things outdoors. Hike, fish, hang out on the beach of our pond, play horseshoes, have a campfire, etc. Take them to the newly opened restaurant The Thirsty Moose, where owners Blaise and Samantha have truly outdone themselves with what I can only describe as the best outdoor music venue in northern Colorado.

-For me being blessed with some of the best friends and neighbors, and getting together with them both in our neighborhood in Gunbarrel and up in Red Feather Lakes, is some of the most fun a person can have. But checking out Pearl street in Boulder or taking in a concert at Chautauqua in Boulder can be a blast as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our non-profit Mending Faces’ mission is to restore hope and provide a brighter future to children born with cleft lip and palate. All of our amazing volunteer board members/ volunteers, our fantastic Executive Director, and all of our donors deserve a massive shout out for all of the hard work and dedication it takes to make these missions a success. The selflessness of our group is truly astounding.

Website: https://www.mendingfaces.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mendingfaces

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MendingFaces

Image Credits
Mending Faces