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What Followed
was a year and
a half of pain therapy, stares from strangers, disappointment in lost
friendships, not being able to enjoy the activities that are common
for teenagers, and pressure to catch up on the missed school
work. These overwhelming challenges caused a depression that neither
the psychologists nor our family were able to overcome. As time
passed, we were living a nightmare with no good end in sight. In
2007, Calais graduated from High School and enrolled in college for
the fall semester. We became very concerned that she would not
be able to cope with campus life, thus losing her dream to become a
doctor.
The Invitation
Nancy Ogden
West, a corrective cosmetic specialist who volunteers for Angel
Faces, met Calais at a local burn support group. Nancy
recognized the emotional difficulties Calais was having due to the
trauma and she invited Calais to attend an Angel Faces retreat.
Calais turned down the invitation repeatedly. Thanks to Nancy's
persistence, Calais finally accepted and arrangements were set
in place.
The Outcome - Our Miracle
The Angel Faces
retreat is a safe environment where the girls learn about themselves
and how to deal with the challenges of being different. We
didn't know what outcome to expect regarding our daughter's emotional
being. At the close of the retreat, Calais's call was one of
the happiest days since the explosion. Calais was happy beyond words.
She had found happiness not only in her surroundings but most of all,
in herself. Calais was now able to be in a crowd and not be affected
by the stares. She felt that, given time, a full and productive
life with a family of her own was in her future. She believes
that this injury will not keep her away from her dreams. She is now
able to take on challenges that she would have undertaken prior to,
but not since, the explosion. It was as if 'Angel Faces' had
turned the clock back and gave us back our daughter. That was
just 10 months ago.
Calais is
currently a second semester student at Wellesley College and doing
very well academically. She is a member of the School Senate
and of all things, the Dorm Fire Marshall. She attends many
social and academic events. Last year, Calais added to
her scuba certification, with an "advanced" open water
certification. This summer, she will volunteer with 'Angel Faces', at
her own expense, to give the same hope to other girls and give back
what only burn survivors can fully understand. Today, Calais is a
survivor.
A Message From Us
We can not say
enough about 'Angel Faces' nor say thank you enough to Lesia Cartelli
and all of the volunteers for doing, for our daughter, what all of
the doctors and psychologists could not do. You gave us our daughter
back !
Thank you - we are a family again with dreams,
Larry and Valarie Weber
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