Our Story

Jodi Barth, PT, Gincy Stezar, PTA, and Dr. Michael Reilly co-founded the American Foundation for Facial Recovery (AFFR) in 2013 after recognizing that too many individuals affected by facial palsy lacked access to consistent, evidence-based information about their condition and treatment options. Through more than 20 years of specializing in facial palsy care, Jodi and Gincy saw firsthand the challenges patients faced and the wide variation in the care they received.

Together with Dr. Reilly, they established the AFFR to make the knowledge they shared with patients every day accessible to a broader community.

The AFFR was founded to empower patients through education, providing the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and advocate for their care.

Our committed team of facial palsy patients, patient advocates, and healthcare providers at the American Foundation for Facial Recovery works to translate the latest research and clinical expertise into clear, accessible educational resources. A diagnosis of sudden facial palsy can be overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. We provide education and support for individuals with facial palsy to help them better understand their condition and treatment options, wherever they are in their facial palsy journey.

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