Regenerative Medicine Initiative
Rebuilding What
Was Lost
Advancing the Future of Regenerative Medicine. The Hopewell Foundation for Regenerative Medicine is dedicated to accelerating the clinical translation of 3D bioengineered bone and cartilage solutions for nasal reconstruction—restoring both form and function.
The Founding Story
Katharine’s Story
The Hopewell Foundation for Regenerative Medicine was not created in a laboratory. It was created through lived experience.
At 27 years old, our founder, Katharine, underwent what she believed would be a routine nasal procedure. She chose a surgeon with exceptional credentials—respected, recognized, and affiliated with top institutions. She was certain she was in good hands.
What she didn’t understand—and what many patients should understand but are not told—is that the nose is not just cosmetic. It is an incredibly delicate, complex structure—a framework of cartilage, bone, and soft tissue.
When one part changes, everything changes.
The Problem
Every year, thousands of patients undergo complex craniofacial reconstruction due to:
• Trauma
• Congenital differences
• Cancer treatment
• Failed prior surgeries
Current reconstruction often requires:
• Rib cartilage harvesting
• Ear cartilage grafts
• Synthetic implants
“Patients deserve better.”
The Vision
We believe regenerative medicine is the next frontier.
Through 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering, it may soon be possible to create:
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Patient-specific cartilage and bone
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Restoration of both structure and airflow
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Reduced surgical harm
“Innovation in medicine should not happen in isolation.
It should happen with patients at the center.”
What We Do
We are a nonprofit initiative focused on bridging science, ethics, and patient care:
• Funding early-stage research
• Supporting translational studies
• Advocating for ethical innovation
• Connecting labs, clinicians, and patients
• Promoting transparent surgical practices
“Patients deserve better.”
The Technology
We are a nonprofit initiative focused on bridging science, ethics, and patient care:
• Funding early-stage research
• Supporting translational studies
• Advocating for ethical innovation
• Connecting labs, clinicians, and patients
• Promoting transparent surgical practices
To create tissue that mimics natural bone cartilage.
Potential impact:
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No need for rib harvesting
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Improved precision
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Better long-term outcomes
Note: These technologies are still in research and early development stages.
Why it Matters
Reconstruction today is often:
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Costly ($20,000–$70,000+ per surgery)
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Repetitive
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Physically and emotionally taxing
Regenerative solutions could:
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Reduce long-term healthcare burden
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Improve quality of life
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Restore dignity to patients
Because rebuilding a nose isn’t just physical— it’s about restoring identity, confidence, and a sense of self.
“Hopewell exists to accelerate this transition—responsibly and with patients at the center.”
Board of Directors
Our team is what really makes us tick. We are dreamers and creators to the core.
Katharine Derrey
CEO / Founder
Katie’s personal experience with complex nasal reconstruction ignited her passion for regenerative medicine.
Charlotte Lam
Text / Text
Katie’s personal experience with complex nasal reconstruction ignited her passion for regenerative medicine.
Our Mission
To accelerate the development, ethical translation, and equitable access to regenerative cartilage technologies for nasal recon reconstruction.