Reposted from http://www.cleft.org.nz/farewell-speech-video-from-the-outgoing-general-manager/ Transcript and Supporting Video from Kenny Ardouin’s leaving speech, December 2015 10 and a half years – it’s longer than most marriages. And like a marriage, it’s definitely had its ups and downs – times when it is the most euphoric thing ever, and sometimes where you need a bit more convincing. But... Continue Reading →
I’m Only Human on the Inside
Presented as the opening address at the Cleft New Zealand AGM, Tuesday 26 May 2015, Auckland, New Zealand
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery involves correcting the jaw position so that both the top and bottom jaws align correctly with one another. It is not uncommon in cases of cleft palate for the top teeth to sit behind the bottom teeth. This creates issues for biting and chewing and also does not look normal, particularly when it comes to observing one’s profile. When there is only a minor discrepancy between top and bottom teeth, this may be able to be corrected by orthodontics, but in cases such as mine where there was a difference of almost 1cm, this needs to be corrected by a combination of orthodontic work and orthognathic surgery.
It Gets Better: Dealing with Discrimination, Bullying and Depression
From the recent youth camp, this is Kenny Ardouin’s latest revision of “It Gets Better: Dealing with Bullying” and now deals with some of the wider issues, including dealing with discrimination across society and dealing with depression. (Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Your Healthcare: Why You Should Vote This Election
I have been alarmed in recent weeks at the number of people who I have casually mentioned the election to, and who have decided not to vote as they feel their vote will not make a difference or that whichever government is in power will not make a great deal of difference to them. This... Continue Reading →
Being born with a difference has made me into the perfectly imperfect person that I am, and I LIKE who I am. Kenny Ardouin, April 2014 (during Rabbits, Forklifts & Geodes)
Approaching Normal but please continue to be patient!
Hello! It’s great to be back following my time in hospital and getting through the first stages of my recovery. Thank you to everyone who has shown their support by way of visits, cards, presents, messages of support etc. over the last two and a half weeks - it’s been great to see so many... Continue Reading →
2013: A Year in Review from the CEO
What an incredible year 2013 has been. As my first full year in the managerial hotseat it was always bound to be an exciting year, but if you had told me in January that the year was going to be so eventful, I would probably have wondered what planet you came from, but here we... Continue Reading →
The Wisdom Extracted alongside Four Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth. Enough said - even the most elite athlete can be taken down by wisdom teeth pain. Unfortunately for cleft patients, wisdom teeth causing problems is an all too familiar occurrence - and I was no exception.
‘Amour’ – a very sad yet beautiful story
I’ve just seen the film ‘Amour’ ('Love’ in English) - a heartbreaking story of carer strain and undying love. Georges and Anne are octogenarians. Everything is going well for the retired couple, until one day, Anne suffers a mini-stroke. When she returns home from hospital, she has become hemiplegic. The love that binds the old... Continue Reading →
Disney’s Disappointing Depiction of Congenital Differences
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer. I have been disappointed to learn that Disney have chosen to use a cleft lip to add to the ‘look’ of the sinister and evil character, Butch Cavendish, played by William Fitchner in the... Continue Reading →
Kenny Ardouin 