ROCKVILLE, Md., July 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Foundation for

Facial Recovery has begun operating after receiving tax-exempt status from the IRS to conduct research and educational programs that help those with facial palsy and TMJ conditions.

"Tens of thousands of men, women and children are diagnosed each year with facial paralysis, and it is often alarming, confusing and debilitating, both physically and emotionally," said Ancelmo Lopes, chairman of the board of the Foundation for Facial Recovery. "The National Institutes of Health estimates that more than 35 million Americans are afflicted with TMJ disorders, and many of them don't know it because their symptoms are unusual and the disorder is not identified so they are not treated correctly when they seek medical care. We believe there needs to be more dedicated research on effective treatments and broader dissemination of useful information and education to make a difference. That's what the Foundation for Facial Recovery is all about."

The mission of the Foundation for Facial Recovery is to: (1) provide a venue for the exchange of ideas and experiences with facial palsy and TMJ disorder treatments and related subjects; (2) conduct research on a broad spectrum of facial palsy and TMJ disorder treatments and related subjects; and (3) educate providers, patients and the public about facial palsy and TMJ disorders, their significance and treatment options.

"Those suddenly stricken with facial paralysis often enter a maze of confusion about what is happening to them, what can be done about it, and where to turn," said Jodi Barth, president of the Foundation for Facial Recovery. "We have established the Foundation to reduce the mystery around facial palsy, disseminate information, research effective treatments and share them with providers throughout the medical community."

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of individuals from the medical and business communities, including:

--Ancelmo Lopes: chairman of the Foundation for Facial Recovery, chairman of the board of Surgical Solutions, LLC, advisor to Bedford Funding, and has held numerous CEO and senior executive positions in leading U.S. healthcare companies;

-- Jodi Barth, PT, CCI: president and Board member of the Foundation, licensed facial palsy therapist and co-founder of the Center for Facial Recovery;

-- Gincy Stezar, PTA, CCI: secretary, treasurer and Board member of the Foundation, licensed physical therapist assistant and co-founder of the Center for Facial Recovery;

-- Betsy Hirschel, LCSW-C: Board member of the Foundation, licensed psychotherapist in private practice with more than 20 years of experience;

-- Victor Ibrahim, M.D.: Board member of the Foundation, board-certified specialist in physical medicine & rehabilitation and serves as the director of the Performance and Musculoskeletal Regeneration Center and team physiatrist for DC United;

-- Michael Reilly, M.D.: Board member of the Foundation, board-certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and serves as assistant professor of facial plastic & reconstructive surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital & Medstar Washington Hospital Center;

-- Susan Shinderman: Board member of the Foundation, more than 30 years of experience in a variety of housing, economic, and community development programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Foundation encourages all those afflicted with facial palsy or TMJ and their families, friends and others who might be interested to get involved in the foundation by contacting the Foundation at 240-833-2921 or info@foundationforfacialrecovery.org, or visiting foundationforfacialrecovery.org.