In 2012, the U-T San Diego recognized Dr. Salvatore Pacella as a recipient of the Health Hero Award for his work with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Given each year by the San Diego County Combined Health Agencies, the award recognizes dedicated members of the San Diego community for their dedication to the disadvantaged. When he’s not in his Scripps Clinic office, Dr. Pacella donates his time and skills to give young kids a second chance at a normal and successful life through Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a nonprofit organization that provides donated reconstructive plastic surgery for children affected by birth defects, abuse or disease. With their helping and caring hands, Dr. Pacella and the volunteer doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel of the Fresh Start team have given countless children the confidence to overcome adversities about their physical appearance and see their bright future ahead.
