Facing Forward: Inside the Plain Dealer series on Johanna Orozco

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007

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In the last six months, Johanna Orozco has recovered from a shotgun blast to the face and reconstructive surgery. That would have been enough, but then, there's also the trial of the teen who shot her, her former boyfriend. As she told Plain Dealer reporter Rachel Dissell, "When he actually pleaded guilty, it was more of a relief in my heart than anything else." On the program, we'll talk to Dissell and photographer Gus Chan who spent much of the last six months in operating rooms and by hospital beds, chronicling Orozco's journey. We'll also learn about the surgical science behind facial reconstructions and we'll talk about what lessons Orozco's story holds for teens and parents today. Join us, Tuesday morning at nine. Photo: Orozco family photograph, courtesy of The Plain Dealer

Guests

Rachel Dissell, reporter, The Plain Dealer
Gus Chan, photographer, The Plain Dealer
Dr. Michael Fritz, plastic surgeon, Metro Health Medical Center
Megan O'Bryan, Executive Director, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Additional Information

Check out the Plain Dealer series Johanna: Facing Forward and the multimedia presentations.

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charles 7:22 PM 10/12/09

i know that this happened a two years ago but i wonder how Johanna Orozco is doing now because i have a friend who is going thru the same thing with her ex boyfriend. he took her personal pics hacked into her account and posted them on the net

Lynnette 3:10 PM 11/14/09

I saw Johanna’s story on 20/20 last night. Of course, I wish Johanna nothing but the best in life.
I wonder if at the time her assailant -exboyfriend apologized to her at his sentencing...did he ever mention that he had almost ended her life? I know he said he was sorry for what he did, but he also said that he “almost ended his life”, but he never mentioned or acknowledged that he sent Johanna on a journey of pain and struggle and surgeries. He didn’t know that he made he so strong, her message will never stop. Did he ever acknowledge that his actions were his own decision, no matter what his mother says, and that he is the only one to blame for his own sentencing. I also think his sentence should have been for life. When he gets out, he will not be a kinder person. He will be the same person he is now, selfish and focused on himself.

Raquel Fadrowski 5:12 PM 2/1/10

Johanna is an amazing girl. We were childhood friends and even as youngsters she was so strong and just an amazing person altoghether. I love her and I hate to say everything happens for a reason but its the truth and now Johanna is out there telling her story and inspiring teens who may be in the same place she was about a two ago. I love you Johanna and your an AMAZING woman.