A THREE-year-old Midland girl who cannot smile because of a rare disorder has penned a poignant letter to a top surgeon who is the key to her happiness.
Alice Whitmore's face has been set like stone since birth.
She suffers from Congenital Facial Paralysis which affects around one-in-a-million children.
Operation
The Dudley tot's family are pinning their hopes on a 12-hour operation to be carried out by Canadian surgeon Dr Ronald Zuker - the world's leading expert in the field.
Now Alice has asked her mum to help her write him a letter. It reads:
"Dear Dr Zuker, My name is Alice and I cannot smile. Please can you make me smile so that I can be happy. I know it will hurt but I don't mind . It is what I want more than anything and my mommy wants it too. Please, please, please. Thank you, Alice."
Only one other Briton has undergone the treatment which involves transplanting nerves from the thigh to the face.
Mum ClairCORR said: "There's a saying that a smile doesn't cost anything. Unfortunately, in Alice's case that isn't quite true.
"Most parents take it for granted but it would be a dream come true to see her beam like other children.
"It was her own idea to write the letter, although I gave her a helping hand. She's at that age where she is beginning to realise that something is wrong with her."
The operation, which will cost around pounds 30,000, is due to take place at Wordsley Hospital's plastic surgery unit next spring and a huge fundraising campaign is underway. Alice, who is a huge Walt Disney fan, has already met Dr Zuker twice for check- ups.
Advantage
His skills allowed 27-year-old Karen Taylor, of Codsall, South Staffs, to smile for the first time in March this year. She was born with Moebius Syndrome, a condition similar to Alice's.
"Karen has become Alice's inspiration. They're like sisters," explained Clair, of St George's Road.
"Alice is much younger than Karen which is an advantage. By the time she starts school her smile should look normal."
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