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Connie Culp’s life was marked by tragedy and resilience. At 16, she ran away with her high-school sweetheart, who later mistreated her like her father did. For years, she endured abuse, believing it was normal, until she decided to stand up for herself.
On September 21, 2004, her husband Tom, suspecting her of flirting, shot her in the face before attempting to kill himself. Connie survived, calling her sister and daughter for help, but suffered devastating injuries to her nose, cheeks, eye, jaw, and the roof of her mouth.
Despite excruciating pain and public stares, she forgave Tom, divorced him, and focused on rebuilding her life. She underwent over 30 surgeries, enduring both physical and emotional challenges.
In 2008, Connie became the first U.S. face transplant recipient after doctors found a donor, Anna Kasper. Connie described the procedure as a new beginning, saying, “I have a new face. I’m a new me,” turning her survival into a story of courage, forgiveness, and transformation.
