Dear Friends:

Welcome to Angel Faces’ first e-newsletter. It has been a rough few weeks here in San Diego coping with the devastation from the massive fires. Embracing signs of hope and heartfelt actions from the community seem to make it bearable and encouraging in witnessing the compassion of the community.

It was decades ago that we lost our family home to fire where I was severely burned. These past weeks experiencing the smell of smoke, and the threat of being burned again takes me right back to that devastating day. Having my husband, a Battalion Chief with the City of San Diego on the front lines of those fires brings a deep-seated fear coupled with endless pride. I am humbled and grateful for all the firefighters and first responders.

One of our Board members, Bill Clayton, Division Chief (ret.) from Cal Fire, renowned leader and fire veteran of 49 years visited the fire fighters who were severely burned and are currently being treated at UCSD Regional Burn Center. In speaking with him last night I am reminded that we are all deeply affected by fire -- it burns -- if not our physical body; our soul.

I started Angel Faces in 2003 because of my own difficult journey. As a child with a severe burn injury, I had no one to teach me how to cope with mine and my family’s loss. My struggle to be more than just a survivor catapulted me into creating a program that would help others overcome their suffering from similar traumas.

Angel Faces is a 501c3 non- profit organization whose mission is to provide healing retreats and ongoing support for adolescent girls with severe facial disfigurements. We teach the girls strategies that will help them reach their optimum potential and give them tools to develop meaningful relationships for themselves, their families and their communities. The girls learn how embrace their injuries and respond positively to teasing, pointing and staring.

The girls also learn how to apply corrective cosmetics to enhance their beauty and minimize their scars. Spa Day is also a powerful component of the program. The girls receive massages and facials from training licensed massage therapist and aestheticians. This nurturing act teaches the girls about loving their bodies, imperfections and all. The final day the girls receive makeovers, new hair- styles, manicures and pedicures. Each component of the program is designed to teach the girls how to create the life they want by overcoming their challenges.

Girls travel to Angel Faces from throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.



Crystal before and after corrective cosmetics!

The program is run entirely by volunteers. These dedicated and committed professionals come from all over the country, many of whom are female firefighters. Our only means of financial support are through corporate and private donations. The services we offer are not covered by insurance or government grants.

Fire and burn injuries affect us all. How can you help?

Your support allows us to make a difference in the lives of these girls. Please contribute. You can donate through our website www.angelfacesretreat.org or mail a check to P.O. Box 235538, Encinitas, CA 92023.

Another way to donate is to purchase a strand of Pearls; hand strung and designed specifically for Angel Faces. See information on ordering a strand for you or that special someone on our website.

Below I have attached some responses from the girls. Thank you for caring through your continued support.

Lesia Cartelli
Founder and Director


Lesia and Haley




Thoughts From The Girls

I had labeled myself a burn victim. It was who I was, and who I was always going to be. I saw myself as living my life alone, and dying an old maid because there was no one that would ever love me for me, scars (both physical and emotion) and all.

I may have never come out of that self-esteem funk had it not for the Angel Faces retreat. Thanks to Angel Faces, I am through with shrinking into a corner. Instead, I smile, and know that I am someone special.
- Calais, age 17

I learned that we are still beautiful even though we have scars. We are still the same people we were before our accident.
- Haley, age 14

Angel faces helped me to create responses when someone asked us what we had, etc. and that was very helpful because I froze every time someone asked me something or stared at me. Everyone was very nice and kind with me. It was a great experience. I am sooo grateful and what I learned at Angel Faces will be with me forever; and now every time I feel sad because of a stare or a question, etc. I will remember Angel Faces and I know that will put a smile on my face.
- Michelle, age 14

What I learned was to be outgoing the first time I meet someone. I feel more self confident and more happy to be alive.
- Stacy, age 18

Corrective Cosmetics

(Corrective cosmetics) “is a very empowering thing. It makes me feel beautiful from the inside out, I’m sure the other girls feel similar.
- Courtney, age 16

After my major surgery of tissue expanders on my head I was afraid to cut my hair but I knew I needed a change. Having a hairstylist there on Spa day was so awesome – I felt safe with her cutting my hair and seeing all my scars on my scalp – then I felt beautiful afterward.
- Crystal, age 16

Staring and Teasing

It was so cool to be able to know what to say when people stared at me. I felt comfortable saying it too because of the support from others I got at Angel Faces.
- Karla, age 15

Messages and Facials

During the massage I realized all the good things I have in my life and how I should appreciate more things. It was nice to know people were not afraid to touch my scars because I have a big fear of people touching me. It was nice to be able to let my guard down and trust someone.
- Anonymous