Seeking to Name Center After Iconic Leader

Patients met with Dr. Randy Capone for help with their smile, and remembered him for his.

According to his long-time friend, John Iovieno, "I have never heard anyone say anything negative about Randy. The one consistent thing I heard our friends comment on about Randy, especially during his bout with cancer and since his passing, was his smile. Almost everyone I spoke to talked about Randy’s never-ending smile that greeted you every time. Randy’s nickname was 'Jaws' pretty much from the minute I met him."

The late Co-Director of the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip & Palate Team at GBMC died late December 2018 from a malignant sarcoma in his hip, but not before changing many families' lives through his work in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially children, with the Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip & Palate Team at GBMC.

But Dr. Capone's presence left an indelible mark that went well beyond physical appearance.

It is because of this passion, dedication and leadership that the team seeks to rename the program, the Randolph B. Capone Cleft Lip and Palate Program, as a permanent tribute to his life’s work.

The Greater Baltimore Cleft Lip and Palate team offers complimentary prenatal visits with a whole care team consisting of the Team Coordinator, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, Oral Maxillofacial surgeon, Genetics Team and a Speech Pathologist. The goal is to provide all services to all patients – along with age-appropriate, patient-centered programs and patients’ medical and feeding supplies – with minimal cost, if any, coming from their parents’ pockets. Approximately 35 percent of patients are on financial medical assistance; ensuring their access to care and supplies is a priority.

Funds donated to rename the program support these and other needs for patients and families including supplies to assist with infant feeding, social opportunities (when it is safe to do so) for families to connect through their shared experience, and transportation and meal expenses for families on medical assistance.

The legacy of Dr. Capone lives on in the work being done by his co-directors and team members. You can be a part of cementing this legacy. Learn more by contacting Director of Philanthropic Engagement, Kate Thorne, at 443-849-2794 or kthorne@gbmc.org.