Coping with our daughter's new face - BBC News

Katie and her parents describe what it has been like adjusting to life since she underwent a face transplant last year.
Colm Flynn interviewed the family in Cleveland, where the 22-year-old is recovering.
Edited by Angélica M Casas

[stukale]

The scary part of attempting suicide is surviving it. Then having to live with such horrific consequences.

[wsurfs]

NO boyfriend....NO girlfriend...No breakup is worth ruining yourself...!! Life is hard enough...!! TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF...!!

[mel...s]

Yeah her face is better but what about her mental state? I pray this lady is getting treatment

[thewreathmeshine]

"Never make a temporary situation permanent." I always speak this to my son.

[amazingsupergirl]

If you’re a struggling teenager, please believe me that in five years those problems will mean so little to you that you’ll barely remember them.

[igotonit]

Can you take a second to realize how good the plastic surgeons did reconstructing her face...
Modern medicine even in the last 50 years is almost like science fiction..

[marzena]

This video made me realise how we all seem to underappreciate the actual functions a face has. When we see a face, we just tend to judge wether it is pretty or not, forgetting about the important purpose it serves: breathing, eating, drinking, speaking, seeing, smelling, expressing emotions, ... all of that is impaired for Katie now, despite having a transplant.

[rosie]

This hit me in another way. I made terrible decisions, also very impulsive decisions as Katie but to get plastic surgery because I hated my original face, after battling BDD and suicidal thoughts for so long I really regretted getting surgery and Katie’s story reminded me of how our faces are not just for aesthetic value, but highly functional. Every muscle, every facial feature is functional and we need to cherish and protect our faces. If any young girl is watching this, please don’t kill function for aesthetics and make the same mistakes that I did. Impulsive decisions are terrible because they stay with us forever. I hope you know your face is beautiful as it is, eyes to see, a nose to breathe well, that’s beauty. Stay safe and blessed everyone x❤

[SaelPossible]

This is why I can't kill myself. No matter what I go through, I can't see my parents going through that.

[alexjenners]

Dear Stranger,
You’re worth it. You’re important. You’re amazing.
Don’t forget that

[AdamFrancisco]

She truly was a beautiful woman. This is a heartbreaking story.

[teresadurrer]

My husband accidentally shot himself in 2006, lost his whole face. The Drs said he would never be able to have a face transplant do to significant bone loss. He lost his, mouth, nose, eyesight, and so much more. I nursed him for a year, but he didn't have the courage Katie has, he killed himself in 2007. Stay strong Katie! Never give up❤

[SteveLrka]

See at the end of the day, whos there for you? Its always your parents...not your friends, not your boyfriend or girlfriend, you family is there to help you. Respect them and be greatful for them

[yeahwhatever]

Never think that your "happiness" depends on someone else.

[Abishek]

Massive credit to the surgeons who helped her have a second chance

[sws]

This is one of the most heart wrenching stories ive ever heard, When I was in my early 20s I broke up with my girlfriend and was depressed to the point of ending it and as a gun owner im really glad I reconsidered because there devistating and theres no coming back from it, This young womans strength and determination to go on after is remarkable and makes a person realize just how good life actually is inspite the difficulties. I wish for all the best for Katie and her family

[caellis]

I feel bad for her brother .. she took his gun and now he probably has unbelievable guilt for no reason

[ArtbyNorah]

I've been struggling with suicide thoughts. Katie, you have already taught me the one lesson I need to start living my life. I love you.

[LazyChimera]

Moral of the story: Don't commit any irrational decisions and impulse behaviours when you're sad.

[lisarm]

I know this isn’t the point. But this is an excellent example of why every day people should NOT own guns. Her brother should not have a gun. It got in the hands of a teenager who was in a distraught moment.