46-year old Connie Culp stood tentatively before an audience of reporters, bravely showing her reconstructed face to the media for the very first time. She diffused the tension in the room with humor.
CULP: Well I guess I'm the one you came to see to today.
More than five years ago, Culp was shot in the face – leaving her without a nose, lower eyelids, upper jaw, no palate or upper lip. As a result of her injuries, she was unable to eat solid foods, drink from a cup, smell, taste or breathe on her own without the help of a tube in her throat. Today she can do all of those things, thanks to the surgery that has given her functional tissue, bone, muscles and facial nerves. She thanked her team of doctors.
CULP : Dr. Djohan I met him 5 years ago. He told me he wasn't sure if he could fix me, but he said he'd try. He said it would take multiple surgeries. Well here I am five years later and he did what he said. I got me my nose. (laughter)
Despite her laughter she also offered up a somber request.
CULP: I just want to say when somebody has a disfigurement and don't look as pretty as you do, don't judge em. You never know what happened to em.
Doctors say that she has had only one minor episode of tissue rejection and that they expect her facial muscle control to improve over the next several years as the nerves re-grow. She plans to have additional plastic surgeries to remove excess skin and tissue.
Gretchen Cuda, 90.3.