The amazing story of Katie Stubblefield: She became the youngest person to receive a face transplant

After a year, a donor was found. Adrea Schneider had passed away age 31, and her family agreed to donate. Katie was transferred to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where she would undergo her face transplantation.

According to the clinic, Katie’s procedure involved transplanting the scalp, forehead, upper and lower eyelids, eye sockets, nose, upper cheeks, upper jaw and half of lower jaw, upper teeth, lower teeth, partial facial nerves, muscles, and skin – effectively replacing her entire facial tissue.

31-hour surgery

On May 4, 2017, 11 surgeons and several specialists – along with some help from virtual reality –began the extensive surgery. It took 31 hours – but it was a huge success.

“To reach this point of recovery has often times been a difficult road to travel, but I’m thankful there’s been a road – and Cleveland Clinic has been the vehicle to help drive me along,” Katie said shortly after the surgery.

“I am forever grateful for the care this hospital has given me and continues to offer on my journey of recovery and healing. To call my surgeons, physicians, nurses and caregivers’ world class’ would be an understatement. And to my donor and her family – words cannot express the appreciation I have for this incredible gift. With a grateful heart, I say ‘thank you’ to all who have made this possible for me.”

Katie still had a long journey ahead of her after the surgery. Her parents became her nursing staff, ready to help 24 hours a day, and she had a list of daily medications that was two-and-a-half pages long.Continue reading…