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

She attended physical therapy twice a week, worked with a personal trainer twice a week, and had occupational therapy once a week. Moreover, Katie had braille lessons twice or thrice a week and speech therapy four times a week.

The speaking part was especially difficult for Katie. After the transplant she had the donor’s mouth, and only her upper lounge and soft upper palate remained.

Katie Stubblefield after her face transplant

Her parents helped by interpreting what she was saying, but sometimes even they had trouble hearing her. She now had a strong, nasally voice because of her problems with the palate. Katie described her voice as “like a frog.”

Yet even though she had many mountains to climb, Katie knew she was fortunate to be alive.

Fourteen months after the face transplant, Katie’s doctors had completed three major revision surgeries. These were also intended to slim her face, reduce scarring, and improve her eyelids.

“I am able to touch my face now, and it feels amazing,” Katie told CNNContinue reading…