Non-Profit Scars to Freedom Releases Statement About KESQ Story

On April 14th we reported on Scars to Freedom a local non-profit organization in Palm Desert. It says its mission is to give scar treatment to veterans and currently military members. The organization’s founder Guadalupe Ponte told News Channel 3 the scars Sgt. Ryan Frederick was having treated were from scrapnel. As part of a later investigation we found out his scars were from a DUI crash. He was the driver, his fiance was killed in the crash.

We asked for an interview with Ponte. She said she would provide a statement, but two days after the story aired. We sat down with her for an interview on Monday. Here’s was her statement given to us, included was a digital copy:

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04-26-2010

The organizations spokesperson “Guadalupe Ponte” releases statement

First, may I personally thank you for giving me the opportunity to share our viewpoint. Our mission here at Scars to Freedom is to help our combat Veterans in whatever way we can in the area of cosmetic scar revision. Most of the time they are battle related, however, we leave open the option of treating Soldiers with other than battle related scars for reasons such as: Depression, Substance abuse, or other battle related stress issues.

We do not delve too deeply into the background involving the Soldiers that come to us for help, for we are a charitable organization not here to judge or investigate, but to help Veterans when they can?t get help any other way than through our clinic. The transition from battlefield to work place is a tremendous gulf to cross, and it is our belief that the elimination of disfigurements can contribute immeasurably to a Soldier?s self-esteem and reintegration back into society.

Our mission is and always will be at Scars to Freedom to give back to the young Soldiers whom have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Thank you very much

Scars to Freedom – www.scarstofreedom.com