Face transplant recipient warns: 'You never know what might happen to you'
After a groundbreaking face transplant operation to restore the middle of her face, an Ohio woman named Connie Culp, 46, talked to the media for first time at the Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center on the Cleveland Clinic campus.
Culp, who had been made fun of because of her disfigured face, asked that everyone think twice about judging people who look differently.
"When somebody has a disfigurement or doesn't look as pretty as you, don't judge them," she said. "You never know what happened to them and you never know what might happen to you. It might all be taken away."
Culp lost the middle of her face in 2004 when her husband shot her and then turned the gun on himself. He survived -- with minor injuries -- and is serving a seven-year prison sentence.
OK, we'll say it. Only seven years for doing this to someone?
Culp, then 40, lost her nose, one eye, her upper jaw and upper lip, palate and lower eyelids. She couldn't eat solid food, drink from a cup, smell or taste and breathed through a hole cut into her throat.
She had nearly 30 surgeries at the Cleveland Clinic. But the Dec. 9 transplant op lasted almost 23 hours. After doctors took out scar tissue, bone grafts, and metal from previous surgeries, Culp got 80 percent of her face and underlying tissue from an organ donor.
God bless this amazing woman.
To see more photos and a video of her inspirational press conference, keep reading to see her thank and praise her doctors and nurses, laugh and crack jokes, saying, "I got me my nose!"
Photo top left before the face transplant, top, right, after face transplant. Bottom, Side views of before and after. Middle photo, Culp before the shooting. Credits: Cleveland Clinic
An absorbing feature on this amazing restoration after facial disfigurement.
However I can't leave without commenting how superbe Elizabeth Snead looks.. She deserves to be on the celebrity carpet herself.!!
Thank you for inspiring me to solve my
problems. I only see opportunity not
hurdles now.
Good luck to you. You are an extremely brave person and I admire you for that. You now are a roll model to women and men of all ages. Even I don't know you I'll be praying for your prompt recovery and I thank you for sharing your story with all of us.
I am very, very proud of you,
In Light,
Monica
It's hard to understand that Tom Culp could be released from prison in 2011. What a waste of human flesh........
Connie, I am so proud of you! You are a very strong woman and I can only hope that your life can now begin again... I, am also a victim of a GSW to the face! Back in 1991 at my "surprise" 22nd birthday party... my life also changed forever... leaving me also disfigured and scared for life. He... is no longer living, but, I am! I was hoping that we could become friends as you know all too well what I have gone through... You are an insperation for many who have little or no will. I am hoping that this message will reach you... a friend in waiting.... PEACE! Kim Dragonette (Grand Island, N.Y.)
and God bless the donor,
a lot of people dont know about organ donations. You dont lose anything, If a donor dies you couldnt tell because that you dont give to others who needs it the hospital throwe that away to worms. Or what you think they keep that for a trophy ?
I used to work in the disabled department of a local college. After working there for a while, I realized I didn't see the disability--only the person inside. I strongly suspect Connie Culp is beautiful.
God's heros are like you Connie. Christ is shining out of you and blessing so many people. I saved your article to refer to when I need a lift!!! Thank you for being you!!!
susan
P.S. Dear Connie,
After reading your husband's comment:'Her new face is beautiful', I have to warn you: Don't be fooled. This is calculting and manipulative. It's purpose is to soften you up for a reunion.
Remember Dr. Phil's words: the best prediction of his future behavior, is his past behavior!
Love,
Sonja Dane
Cape Town
South Africa
WOW she looks gorgeous!! honestly she looks pretty normal to me :)